Choosing between MTec or Andrews
Posted By: 2busy2much on 2009-03-29
In Reply to: Ok thanks.. I think I've come to a decision... - Winnie Looi
I would encourage you to call and speak or email both of the directors with a list of questions. That's what I did and I was able to speak with the directors from each school. Although I felt both schools were top notch and would prepare me well, I chose M-Tec b/c along with excellent training, they offer technical classes and support geared for the MT. The tech instructor is a genius and very helpful too. Just my 2 cents!
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MTEC or Andrews, or....???
Hi everyone-
I have taken a class in MT at my community college and am getting ready to invest in an entire course to have MT as my career. The AAMT only approves MTEC and Andrews. Which of these is more highly recommended and why. The differences I seemed to notice were that MTEC included the footpedal and Andrews made no mention of it. On the other hand, Andrews said they teach the word expanders, etc... to help with quantity while MTEC made no mention of this. Do any of you have any other recommendations rather than these 2 courses? If I'm about to invest $4,000 I want to make sure it is in the program that will prepare me the best and make me the most marketable and ready for employment. Any suggestions would be very, very welcome :) Thank you very much for your time!
Amanda
Andrews/MTEC
You cannot go wrong enrolling in either school. Toss a coin; both will give you an excellent education. Let it be your decision.
Lilly
CS/MTEC/Andrews
I have recently been scouring the boards and researching for information on which school to choose and see that it basically comes down to the "big 3". I have noticed that there is a lot of disdain for CareerStep from a lot of people and how there is such an "allegiance" to either MTEC or Andrews.
My inquiry is basically this: Are there any new or recent Andrews or MTEC grads that are having an easier time finding jobs than the CareerStep grads? I understand that Andrews and MTEC seem to be the better schools, but in the end it really comes down to finding that job.
Through all the posts I've read, I haven't really been able to find more information than "choose Andrews/MTEC!" but I haven't really heard anyone say they've had better luck with finding a job by choosing one of these two.
You want Andrews or MTEC, PERIOD.
Career Step is full of errors, and they insist finding them is part of the training! No instructors, either. The other 2 schools include everything you'll need on the job, including ALL the reference books.
You can't beat Andrews or MTEC for an education. NM
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You can't miss with Andrews, MTEC, or Careerstep. NM
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MTEC, Career Step, Andrews, SETT
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Career Steps, Andrews, MTEC, SETT
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Ready to sign up MTEC/Andrews - Confused
I have taken the pre-enrollment test for both Andrews and MTEC and I am really torn between which school to go through. They both look like excellent schools, especially after reading all the posts from the graduates out there.
I know that MTEC's Tier 1 Premier program is about $400 or $500 less than Andrews, which is a plus, but I want to make sure I'm making the right choice.
As of last week I was ready to sign up at Andrews, but for some reason I am leaning towards MTEC. I have done transcription in the past, but I am definitely needing to start over because that was a long time ago.
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
If it's Andrews, MTEC, or Career Step, you've got a shot. SM
It might be worth applying just to try out the various tests, and you never know what might happen.
Andrews, MTEC, and CareerStep produce graduates that are regularly hired. NM
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Spheris hires from MTEC, Career Step, Andrews, SETT
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Spheris hires graduates only from MTEC, Career Step, Andrews
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choosing between the 3
Hello. I am currently enrolled at MTec and I can tell you that I researched this decision a loooong time b/f I jumped in. Personally, I would only consider MTec or Andrews b/c if you plan to work out of your home they prepare you best to be an independent MT. Many CS girls have even stated that they felt unprepared in the real world.
Also, I chose MTec over Andrews b/c of their technology support. They have a technology instructor, technology classes, and technology support which I think is vital for the future of MTs.
The good news is that you can't go wrong if you choose MTec or Andrews. I would encourage you to contact the Susan Francis at MTec or Linda Andrews with any and all questions. They were very helpful and informative for me. Good luck!
I'm on the verge of choosing between
Career Step online or taking an MT certificate program at my local community college (4-5 semesters in length, and twice the cost) Right now, CS seems the better choice b/c of flexibility; learning/.studying at hours that are convenient for me, etc. I just want to be sure that local dr. offices will hire me with an online certificate instead of a local one.
Good luck to you in your decisions! I think an MT career will be a very positive one after speaking directly with MTs who are in the field right now in my city, prospective employers in my area, and other MTs around the country. I think if we are committed to working hard, it will be successful!
Choosing a school
Before choosing a school, you should definately do your homework. I can tell you what my experience was and maybe it will help you out a little.
I decided to go to the local Community College in my city. I weighed my options heavily against the "Big 3" schools that are offered online and found that the program that my CC offered was very similar in nature but the cost was quite a bit less. All of the classes I took were offered online except one. I could have opted to have gone to campus and taken the classes, but I chose to do it from home. I still had the use of all the on-campus facilities and was able to go to campus and speak to my instructors if I needed to get advice or if I had questions or problems. That hands-on aspect was one of the things I really did like about it. I did have to take one class on campus, but now I am certified in infant, child, and adult CPR, first aid, and the use of an AED as well as being a Notary Public. That is a plus sometimes when looking for an in-house position.
I am not sure about the proper number of practice transcription hours you should get. I can tell you that my program had 4 levels of transcription courses. Pretranscription, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. The program followed AAMT guidelines and utilized the SUM program as well. The dictations were live dictations. That is very important. You do not want "actors" who are just reading copy. You want real, live dictation to practice from so you can get a real feel for what you are going to be dealing with. I also had experience with ESL docs. I would say I transcribed close to 700 reports by the end of my program.
I also had billing and coding classes integrated into my MT program. Now, if I choose, (which I probably will do in a few months), I can go back to school and take 3 more classes and be a certified billing and coding specialist as well.
I was hired right out of school to work from home for a national transcription company. Choosing a good school is important. Good luck to you!
Choosing a school
If you want to work at home, I would suggest that you look into Andrews School or M-TEC. If you do search on the forums, these are the most recommended and reputable with graduates having little, if any, trouble finding a job at home on graduation.
I don't know what the successful employment rate of Allied graduates is.
Good Luck, and be sure to do a lot of research before deciding if this field is right for you.
Help Choosing a school
I am a stay at home mom, and I am wanting to do a online course for medical transcription. I just don't know which distance learning school would be the best one to choose. Any advice?
I'm with MTEC
I took a home study about 13 years ago and I am currently studying through MTEC. It's like night and day. MTEC is VERY thorough and helpful and SO professional. I absolutely love it so far. I have a great instructor, and everybody on the message forum loves this school too. You might want to go on their website and check it out. ~Yes, it does cost more, but I'm on the payment plan and it will definitely be worth the extra money at the end when you get a good job because of what school you went to.
MTEC
I went to MTEC and did it through student loans that were easy and quick to pay off once I was working. I worked immediately and they have tons (and I means tons... as in over 10 pages) of people that they work with that hire new students that go to MTEC and graduate. I had been around this industry for a long time in other ways so I finished really quickly, but the teachers are top notch. I am still in touch from time to time with the director and she is fabulous. Its expensive I guess but in the long run, I would never have chosen differently. The school is the greatest and it was and still is a huge benefit to me when applying for work. I would highly suggest it.. you definitely get far far more than you ever thought possible and than it costs to go there! If you want more information, please email me about them, but I would do it without hesitation. MTEC rocks. I graduated 4 years ago and I have been an MT, a QA person and a supervisor of a major hospital account since then. 
I'm at MTEC
I am currently an MTEC student and absolutely love it. It is a fantastic program and very thorough. People know the name and companies will hire grads from MTEC because they know the training is great. I'm halfway through the program and I feel like I could test with any company now and pass, whereas before I had some training, but it wasn't "good" training. I love MTEC. Just remember....you get what you pay for.
Job Placement w/Mtec
Hi Everyone!
I am considering taking the Tier 1 M-Tec course but would like to hear about their job placement rate before I sign up. Is it all that it claims to be? Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Dale
MTEC graduate
I graduated from MTEC in April of this year. I received an extensive list of companies willing to test me as a new grad. Upon testing with my chosen companies, I received multiple job offers. I was able to go to work for my 1st choice company. I am a bit of a skeptic too, especially when it comes to investing hard-earned money, but you can't go wrong with MTEC. Call and speak with Kathy or Susan. They will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. I wish you well with your decision.
MTec/CareerStep
If you train at one of these online courses, do they help with job placement or is that just something they say to get you in the door?
MTEC - Because for what it's worth
I had 4 job offers within 2 weeks of graduating. Four years later, I'm still at the company I went to work for right out of school.
Just signed up for MTEC
Hi Edda,
I have been doing research over the last month or so for both Andrews and MTEC. They both seem like very good schools and it was a hard decision. I ended up going on the message forum on the MTEC website and there is nothing but positive things there. It was a few hundred dollars less too, which helped make my choice. I signed up for Tier I premier and I'm just waiting to receive my box of materials. ~ Hope you find the school that is the right fit for you.
Did chiropractic....now at MTEC
I did chiropractic transcription for about 5 years, as well as 4 years of psychiatry before that and I was having a tough time finding anything out there since I was so limited in those 2 areas, so I just sign up for MTEC this past weekend. There is so much positive feedback from other students there and it sounds like the graduates from MTEC are trained so well that they don't have too much trouble finding a company that will hire them. ~ I'm happy I signed up. I took a local home study in 1995, but I felt I needed better training, so that's why I'm going back. ~ Good luck in making your decision.
MTEC Grads
I just finished my coursework at M-TEC. I can't wait for my test to be graded...and I'm itching to find a job. Before my test, I was 95%. I'm wondering if anyone knows what companies routinly hire from M-Tec so I can go looking now and not have to wait till I am able to access the COC on M-TEC's website?
MTEC Question
Can anyone tell me how their MT program works, ie: do you follow a syllabus at your own pace, attend classes on the web, etc? If there are classes on the web, how often are they and how long do they last? Do you have to attend them on a certain day or can you watch them at your convenience? Thank you in advance.
to Mtec veteran
Why does the school still seem to make it appear like this is a viable career. The Mtec forum are always having people happy with their MT career and everyone on the site is touting that Mtec was the best decision they ever made.The current students seem so gung ho about their new MT career. Please enlignten. It's hard for a new MT to figure out what is really going on with this field.
How long did it take you to finish MTEC?nm
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AHDI has heard of MTec
The AHDI has definitely heard of MTec--they're on their list of approved schools. The list is on the AHDI website.
Most national services have heard of MTec, too. If you asked a small, local company, they might not have, but many, many other companies will have heard of them, since they tend to hire a lot of MTec and Andrews grads.
Career Step vs. MTec
I have been researching MT schools. I've narrowed it down to two: Career Step & MTec. Which one should I choose?
Thanks
Current MTEC Student
Robyn,
I'm a current MTEC student hopefully getting ready to graduate in 2 months and I would 100% recommend the school. You made a great choice. It is intense, but by the end you will be a wonderful transcriptionist. They do train well. Good luck in your studies.
Is Career Step Cheaper Than Mtec?
I can't find how much courses are on their website. Does anyone know how much tuition is at Career Step?
Career Step is cheaper than Mtec I think
And aren't they both considered "Big 3"?
Supposedly Career Step can be done in 3 months if you really go at it full time. That seems awfully fast to me though.
MTEC does offer financial assistance.
While MTEC is expensive it is also one of the top 2 MT schools out there. You get what you pay for. Also, they do accept financial aid. Check out their site, they have a person on staff that handles situations just like yours!
(Oh yea, I am a student at MTEC!)
Andrews vs. M-Tec...
Is M-Tec every bit as good as Andrews as far as:
1. Preparing a person to enter the MT field
and
2. Almost guaranteeing a job for a student upon graduation. (Realizing, of course, that this depends on the individual.) But all else equal, does graduating from M-Tec virtually guarantee that many companies will waive the normal 2-year experience requirement and allow a new graduate to test?
Thanks
Not at Andrews
As an Andrews grad, 95% was the minimum required of each assignment of each section before you were permitted to advance to the next section. And, 95% was no guarantee that you wouldn't still be assigned extra work! We were strongly encouraged and motivated to achieve 98% and above as we were told from the beginning of the course that this is the norm in the working world. They(the instructors) were upfront from the beginning that it would take lots of work (read: blood, sweat, and tears)to pass the course at the level expected. The plus side of Andrews is that they don't turn you loose until they are confident you can attain that high goal of accuracy. An 86% would have been absolutely unacceptable.
Both Andrews and M-Tec
are top-notch MT schools. Either one would be an excellent choice not only for MT skills but also for any required improvement in spelling and grammar skills that might be necessary.
Also . . . about Andrews
Have you spoken with Linda Andrews yet? Looking on their website, I see that the payment plan has an option with a lesser down-payment of $1000 with a monthly payment of $117, instead of the $98 it would be with the larger down-payment. There is no interest on that, I see, which would be a considerable benefit to you.
Also of importance is that this covers everything. Their students traditionally do not need to provide anything else for school--not one book, not one bit of software, nothing. And, when they go to work, they already have the references that most employers require.
The first question above asked about whether one school allowed you to retake sections until you got them right. This focuses on "failure mode." The thinking is that "this is so hard, nobody can succeed." It sets up the expectation that it is NORMAL for students to fail at transcription.
Students should not fail at transcription. The concept of having some students do well, others ok, and some fail is a concept dragged over from traditional education. Private MT schools are not public junior colleges. They do not need to follow that model.
Frankly, if I were thinking of putting down a fat down-payment on a course and the school thought that it was acceptable to have any students fail, I'd be a little worried. And I certainly wouldn't expect that I'd be the exception who did well, because a school which has students failing, or not doing well enough to be employable, seems to stack the deck against you.
It would seem better to me to simply select a school in which the students do not fail, instead achieving a high level of skill across the board.
Select a school where you KNOW your money won't be wasted, where the risk is almost nil. Select a school where students do not flounder around unassisted, failing and re-failing. Select a school where they achieve and are routinely offered new, extra material to improve their already high levels of achievement.
Medical transcription training does not need to be difficult, nor does it need to culminate in unemployability.
The best are M-TEC and Andrews
M-TEC has an abbreviated course for previous medical professionals. I don't know if Andrews does.
Andrews
I'm mentoring an MT right now who went to Andrews and she seems very knowledgeable.
Andrews
I graduated from Andrews in December of 2004. I was hired immediately after graduation and have been with the same company since. I work for a smaller MTSO, and she has been very happy with how well Andrews prepared me.
M-Tec or Andrews (sm)
M-Tec and Andrews are the only two schools that are approved by the AAMT right now. I am sure there are other good schools too, but these two have been around for awhile and are proven to produce job-ready MTs upon graduation.
www.mtecinc.com
www.andrewsschool.com
www.aamt.org
M-Tec vs. Andrews
I think I am going to end up going with either M-Tec or Andrews. Please help me decide! All opinions, comments, pros and cons of each are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
M-TEC, Inc. or Andrews are the very best...
Companies waive the 2-year experience requirement for their grads. Pick one of the very best. Your future success as an MT depends on it.
So, you went through Andrews AND M-TEC after CS?
I'm really curious.
You sound just simply disgruntled over CS and have no real experience comparing the other schools to CS.
Andrews is the very best, IMO.
Look at Andrews or M-Tec
Andrews or M-Tec are simply the best programs out there.
Andrews or M-TEC are best. nm
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