A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

With whom did you complete your MT training? - PJ

Posted: Jul 01, 2010

To those of you who have completed a transcription course, who did you go through and why? I don't know if this is too specific to ask here, but I did not see any rules against asking about the schooling. I have been an MT for eight years, and received OTJ training, plus I have an extensive medical background prior to transcribing. However, I have a friend who would like to complete a program, and while I have a few schools/programs in mind to refer her to, I would like to know basically which ones to stay away from. She doesn't need job placement, she just wants the certification. Any recommendations?

TIA.

Career Step - Mrs. Smith

[ In Reply To ..]
I graduated from Career Step and have no regrets. They are an AHDI approved course and have a good reputation. If you graduate with honors or high honors, some companies will hire you without testing and some will hire you and waive the lengthy work experience requirement. They are also inexpensive too. In this case, inexpensive does not necessarily mean insufficient.

Good luck!

I went to the local community college and got a 1-yr certificate. - longtimemt

[ In Reply To ..]
I only applied at one hospital after I graduated and was hired on the spot and have been gainfully employed ever since, which was over 10 years ago.

training - starting from scratch

[ In Reply To ..]
In 1990 when I became interested in transcription, there were no training programs locally. So I photocopied academic articles from the library copies of NEJM and AMA magazines, read them aloud onto a cassette recorder, and played them back on a boombox under my desk, while I "pretended" to use a footpedal and turned the player on and off with my big toe, and typed. Still, I couldn't get a job until one particular doctor noted on my application, "shows good initiative," and that clinic took me on to train me on the job. I was so ignorant, I tried to fit the "stethoscope" earphones over top of my head, and averaged 12 wpm on my transcription test! Things are different now.. I couldn't imagine a transcriptionist working production and still being willing to train a total, complete newbie... but showing initiative will always open a door somewhere!

what a great story! - heyho

[ In Reply To ..]
Stethoscope on top of the head. Big toe on the boombox. HAR HAR HAR!! (I most definitely would have hired you for your first MT gig.)

I went to good old-fashioned community college and then had an AMAZING long-time MT sit knee-to-knee with me (she was paid hourly) for many a moon, with many a red pen.

I honestly have NO idea how anybody could do an online school and be completely mentorless and then try to work solo, on production.

I had years of hospital experience and my CMT under my belt when I went home to work on production and wasn't even making minimize wage in the beginning as I fumbled with a new program and new accounts. I'd sit there and cry and wonder if I'd just made one of the biggest mistakes of my life.

I believe a community college program and somehow latching onto a wise and generous mentor with the heart of a teacher is THE way -- but, of course, I am old. What do I know. ;)

Thanks - Pj

[ In Reply To ..]
for your replies everyone. Career Step was one of the places I was going to refer her.

Any others that are reputable?

With whom did you complete your MT training? - eagles_fan

[ In Reply To ..]
I recently graduated from Andrews, and I highly recommend it.

Andrews School - Cincygal

[ In Reply To ..]
After a lot of research, I chose The Andrews School and never regretted it. I based my decision on the school's excellent reputation and the extensive training they provide.

Cincygal - Old MTSO

[ In Reply To ..]
I see things like you do. I would rank Andrews as #1, M-TEC as #2 and Career Step as a distant third.

Regarding certification - Old MTSO

[ In Reply To ..]
Just a reminder--you do not get "certification" from any school. You get certified by AHDI. My view is that the AHDI certification is irrelevant.

MTEC - got a transcription job before I graduated - Typin_away

[ In Reply To ..]
Let me clarify and say that it is a transcription job transcribing drug trials and medical conferences. It's not an actual MT transcription job typing reports.

I am learning so much being in the real world and having the pressure to meet deadlines now, and I find the content very interesting. I think getting this job was just being in the right place at the right time and able to pass the test to get hired though.

Overall I am happy with MTEC. Are they the perfect school for everyone? No. Do you research and think about how you best learn.

I agree that the top 3 schools would be Andrews, MTEC, then Career Step.

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