Go to a decent school to begin with - sm
Posted By: missMT on 2008-02-11
In Reply to: Penn Foster - Lesley
I graduated from MTEC more than 8 years ago and had recruiters beating my door down to test me when I graduated. I tested with several of them and had offers from every one of them to begin working immediately. I have been working at home ever since. I have also heard Andrews is good. You never see people from these schools on these boards begging for someone to give them a chance. The education alone opens doors. Best of luck to you! 
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Would I qualify and how to begin?
I have an Associates Degree in Medical Secretary/Transcription, 2 years experience as a Medical Secretary in a Med/Surg unit, and about 4 years working in the Veterinary field (I know, not exactly the same thing, but medical terminolgy is still the same).
My question is - Would this be enough experience and education to start a MT career? What is the best route to take and How would I go about starting this career? Can working from home in the MT really be a goal?
What is needed to begin?
Hello. I am new to all of this. In fact, this is my first post. I have not signed up for an MT course as of yet but I have narrowed my choice down to two schools based on my research. I have taken the entry tests for both M-Tec and Andrews. M-TEC gave me a response and I am waiting on the results from Andrews. I have not spoken directly to anyone from either program but I received a very nice e-mail from M-TEC. I have been through both websites with a fine tooth comb and feel that I would be very happy with either one. Other than the educational program itself, what is needed to begin? What are the computer software requirements outside of the ones provided in the courses? Also, is it recommended to have a dedicated computer for this type of work?
Thanks in advance for your time.
items needed to begin
Hi Andrea! I am a current M-Tec student and I am so impressed. It's a great place to learn! I would recommend getting a good headset, several binders for organization, a printer (if you don't have one already), some highlighters, and a book case for your text books. Eventually you may need a dedicated computer, but for training purposes you should be fine with a shared system. That's what we do here at my house!
Good luck!
Yeah, like who? Name names if this is so. Who would want to work for Spheris to begin with? They
the biggest offshoring national out there. What's the big deal?
This bologna is repeated over and over again with no real proof of any places that hire without testing these grads just like anyone else. So, they have a deal with Spheris, big deal. There are companies much better than Spheris out there that pay better, have better accounts, care about quality and don't offshore our work!
It's all advertising. The students pay for it too, and don't think they don't.
You would cringe at what goes on behind the scenes with these schools.
You say "many" large nationals? What do you consider large? There aren't that many LARGE nationals to begin with, and the ones that are out there aren't worth the time to talk about. Been there, done that!
It is BS. All of it.
Making decent money here.
I was one of those stay-at-home moms that wanted to make my own hours and earn a good living and I am doing just that. I have been an MT for 2 years now. I work at home while caring for my 3-year-old son. Yes, it is not easy, stressful even, but I make more money at home (close to $20 an hour) than I would make at a B&M job and I don't have to pay $1000 a month for daycare anymore. I have a completely flexible schedule and I work early in the morning while my son sleeps and during his nap times. If I have to, I work again in the evening to finish up work.
This profession is difficult and takes a lot of work, but what career that pays a decent salary doesn't. It is possible to make more than $4-8 an hour. It does not take years and years. I was up to $12 an hour after 6 months, comparable to what I made in my previous position, where I had been employed for 3 years.
Just because you can't make it in this industry is no reason to discourage others from trying.
Is MT a decent job based on pay #s I see here? And how is outsourcing affecting pay?
I am brand new to the MT world. I'm considering taking training and an internship at a local company (my cost = $2,000) and then working as a contractor for them. From reading different questions and responses here, I'm concerned that the pay is pretty low and has not increased much in the past few years. My other concern is that more companies are outsourcing their work overseas because it's cheaper. How much of that is happening and how much is that hurting pay here?
I'd appreciate any information and opinions. I have to decide by Monday, January 8. Now I'm thinking that I should just find another career path and take classes at a community college. I worked in another career and made excellent money, but the stress and long hours were just too much. I was looking for something less stressful and the chance to work at home. THANKS!!!
Or not so much stress or long hours, decent pay
I totally understand what you're saying, but being an MT varies so much based on what you bring to the job, where you work, and what kind of account you have that it's pretty tough to predict how any particular person will do. I'm very happy with my job. I find it to be the least stressful job I've ever had, love the predictable hours, and made 34K this last year working strictly a 40-hour week. This is after 1-1/2 years as an MT. I found the first 6 to 9 months terribly stressful because of the high learning curve, but once I settled into my account the stress level dropped considerably. I'm still working the same hospital account I started on, but also work other accounts as necessary. I work for a company that many people on this board say they can't make any money working for; it must have a lot to do with the stability I've had on my account that I am able to make reasonably decent money.
You didn't post here to get decent answers
You posted hoping that everyone would agree with you. When they didn't, you flipped out. That is exactly why the company you are working for is not going to cater to you...because they don't like your attitude! 
I disagree. Allied has a pretty decent program.
I hope you're being paid a decent wage and not being
taken advantage of, which happens a lot.
Difficulty finding work despite decent grades from Andrews
Angela,
I am a recent grad of Andrews--one of the top two schools recommended--and I graduated with a grade average of 97.9.
Contrary to popular opinion, Andrews' grads do not have several job offerings available to them as soon as they finish up school. The graduate is basically on her/his own as far as scrounging up a job. Having Andrews on my resume only allows me to test for a few MTSOs that would not have even given me an e-mail response. It is not an automatic door-opener at all.
I am having a difficult time finding employment because there are only so many entry-level positions available for new grads. There appears to be a glut of newbies. The economic decline is not helping either.
I have passed every single acute care transcription test where I was allowed to test, and I am on many "waiting" lists for future openings. I am really lucky that I am disabled and at least have some money coming in that pays the mortgage. I can wait for an opening, and I don't have to sign on with those MTSO that preys on newbies who can't find jobs.
If folks from the top schools are having difficulty finding employment, just imagine how much more difficult it is for someone that has only completed a low-quality matchbook-type MT education.
I wouldn't waste any money on the Penn folks.
Kathleen
I never hear of those who attended decent schools unable to find work
You can pay now or later. I had job offers with every company I tested with when I graduated from M-TEC, which was more than 8 years ago. I have worked from home since day 1 doing both clinics and mostly acute care. I do not know of anyone who graduated with me who has ever had problems finding a job. Employers are catching on as to which schools offer enough training so that the grads actually have some experience under their belt or are worth bringing up to speed. I also did not have to start out at 6 cents a line. That is absolutely insane.
Agree with an outside school, but I went to a business & tech school. Great experience, better
s
You CAN get a job at home, right out of school, but it has to be a GOOD school.
You should enroll in Andrews School or M-TEC. I know you don't want to spend more money, but at least you WILL be able to get a job. If you thought At Home Professions was a good course, you will be totally amazed at what you DIDN'T learn in that course that you WILL learn at the two good schools. There is no "required" curriculum for MT, anybody can open up a school, charge what they want, and teach what they want. Companies will waive the 2-years' experience requirement for graduates of Andrews School and M-TEC, but NOT for the other schools.
School?
Has anyone graduated from Thomson Education Direct and got hired anywhere?
Just wondering about choosing the right school for medical transcription course.
MT school
I attend the Andrews School. It has a very good reputation among national services--some will even waive the minimum 2-year experience requirement and allow you to test for them if you are an Andrews graduate. I have heard good things about M-Tec as well. I would suggest that you contact hospitals, nationals, etc. that you might want to work for and ask them which schools they suggest as far as turning out job-ready graduates. Good luck!
$ for MT school
No, I don't. We have debt out of our ears but you can make payments or charge it or whatever it takes. I've always had to spend money to make money. I just want to make sure I can make it back fairly soon. When I do the math it seems like you have to be pretty darn fast at transcription to earn a living. I admire the people out there doing it!
School and $$$
Hey, sorry about your ankle. Sounds like this could be a perfect time to study for MT. I'm sure I saw scholarship information that was based on financial need on one of the "3" schools...Andrews, MTEC or Career Step. Go to their websites and see! All the best to you! 
What to look for in a school
There are three things to look at in choosing a school and neither of them is money.
The first is whether national services already hire their grads and keep them longer than 6 months.
The second is what percentage of the grads score adequately on the employer's test.
The third is how many students complete the course with a grade of 95% or better on the first try.
Even if an employer is willing to hire from a school, if few grads pass his test and qualify to be hired, then the school isn't so hot. If the employer hires, but the grads can't keep the job for even 6 months, then the school isn't so hot. If the school has a high drop-out rate and many students (sometimes "most") don't make it to graduation, then the school isn't so hot. If it takes students several tries to pass, then the school isn't so hot.
You can see that just examining whether an employer will hire a grad isn't such a good measure. You also have to look at how many students get to graduation, how they got there, how many of them passed the test, and how many of those didn't get fired or quit in frustration.
You want a school whose grads are almost uniformly hired by nationals and which graduates nearly all students (all have drops, but you want a low level of those) on the first try.
Considering all that, you have two options: M-Tec and Andrews. And Andrews has a pre-admission test you'll need to pass to get in.
In your case, you should not go for a school which will allow you to skip any courses. You don't know anatomy and terminology like you'll need it for MT--what you know is what you need for billing, and that is different. Unless you hold a PhD in anatomy, you need to refresh your memory. Any school that lets you get away with not doing that does not have your best interests in mind.
School
I recently graduated from Thomson Education Direct. Recently changed to Penn Foster.... I made 49.00 month payments with no interest. Is a good school!
yes, I'm still in school ..... nm
zz
Still in school????
I assumed from your post you were a recent graduate.
school
I agree.....Accept a challenge to succeed.
School
Education Direct,,,now called Penn Foster.
Great School!
School
HHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMM! I just graduated and landed a job within one week.!!!!
School
Are you stocking me? Your a stress ball!
Is school a must?
I have been an administrative assistant for 8 + years and I will be graduating from my Medical Office Specialist/Billing and Coding class in May. Do I absolutely have to go to school to become an MT or can I just test to get a job? Any responses will be greatly appreciated.
Shona`
re: Is school a must?
Yes! Have you mastered anatomy and physiology? Do you know pharmacology? Can you know medical abbreviations? Can you decipher various dialects of providers well enough to produce a medicolegal document? How about the body systems, brain functioning, neurology, endocrinology, cardiology, orthopedics, pulmonology, etc., operative techniques? Medical terminology of all the above specialities, plus more, then if your answer is yes, then test away. Transcription is a labor intensive occupation that requires medical knowledge, dedication, and accuracy.
Is school a must?
If you are really good at learning from a book and feel like you lack experience in just a few areas, then study that way. I got a little training but mostly I was self taught. I knew what I wanted and studied from books and listened to any dictations I could find. The hardest part is getting your foot in the door. I put applications in everywhere and was lucky to have a small MTSO let me show them what I was capable of though. If you have the extra money for the schooling, then go for it. I dont believe that it's a must though.
Good luck!
What school did you go to?
They should be able to help you, if the school was any good. If not, then you need more education from a better school.
school
I graduated from Career Step recently and I felt they thoroughly educated me on just about everything i needed to know. I took the online course and it took me about 9 months to finish.
School
NC Newbie -- what school did you attend? I assume you're from North Carolina, and so am I. Since I have done acute medical transcription years ago, I am in the process of trying to find a school for refresher courses. A lot of medical stays the same, but there are a lot of new procedures, drugs, etc.
Perhaps your school? (sm)
I would first check with your school for assistance. Many schools will offer some type of program to help get you pointed in the right direction.
If you went to one of the top three I know for sure that they offer assistance in this area.
Get your school to help you.
Your school knows which ones of the employers really like graduates of the school you attended. They know where they have been successful. If they have no employers clamoring to hire their graduates, you've got a problem. That means the employers have seen what their graduates can do and they don't like it.
Then you may have to work in a doctor's office. The pay isn't good, there are rarely opportunities for pay increases, but at least it's something.
I hope the first scenario describes you. Good luck with your new career!
The School you went to?
Career Step. I've heard of this school before, but like you I am still in the researching process for the best place to take the on-line course. How expensive was this course? Can you email me your answer. Thanks
My email address is: louisem@cinci.rr.com
Thanks again. Awaiting your response.
Where did you go to school?
Many comapnies will waive that 2-year requirement if you attended a school with a solid reputation of producing work-ready grads. Again, you get what you pay for.
school
I wouldn't go by one person's opinion. I am going through that program and I think it is good. It is very detailed and they teach about everything. They didn't even say what they sent the 14yr old there for anyway, maybe that particular course was bad.
The best school for you
In the MT world you will hear people talk about the Top Three. That would be Andrews, MTec, and Career Step. These are all good. The best school is the one that is going to be the most comfortable fit for you, and you will find that out by visiting their websites and forums. Like everything else in life, cost may be the determining factor. All three of these "top three" schools are good and their courses are very comprehensive, so you will have tons of work to do whichever one you choose. Be sure to choose a program which will help you find a job. It is surprising how many people enroll in courses which do not offer them any assistance at all. Courses also vary in length and instructional methods, so you'll have to decide how much time you can spend studying each day. Good luck!
Best school
A good school to look at is Janet Stiles electronically taught transcription. You can get more info at www.settinc.com
Best school
I took Career Step and it was great. I graduated within 7 months with high honors and I got a job in less than a week. If you go directly through careerstep.com you will only pay about $1350. Yeah, it sounds like a lot of money, but it's not when you actually see how much experience you get from just taking the course. I got a job that was looking for 2 years of experience.
Anyone know anything about CAI School?...sm
I have a friend who is finishing up the course and wondering if anyone here has graduated from this school. I don't really see anything here about them.
TIA!
school
I graduated from the Virtual Learning Center.
just got into school!
OK, I've been lurking around this board since 2004 can you believe it and just now started a program! I was registered in '04 but dropped it due to financial and health issues, I start EvCC's program in Spring (community college program that is linked with Career Step). Thank you everyone for all your info that has helped me make an informed choice.
school
Just wondering if anyone can give me advice on going to school for mt. Do you think an at home program is okay?
School
I went through Career Step. I loved it. I graduated with Honors in Feb. 2007 and have a job already. I would recommend it to anyone. At least have her contact the school with questions. Good Luck.
Which school
Thanks folks! Hope to hear from more of you! Just read that CanScribe is the Canadian extension of Career Step. Margaret
And you went to school where? (nm)
.
School
I did a transcription course at home. (At-Home Professions.
school
You absolutely cannot go wrong with Andrews or M-TEC. They may be a bit more expensive, just remember you get what you pay for I graduated from M-Tec in May and had a job within hours of sending out one resume. If you work hard and keep a good GPA you won't have a problem finding a job when you graduate. M-TEC has contacts with many companies that are willing to work with grads and will hire them without experience because of the good reputation they school has.
Good luck with your decision!
school
I am trying to decide between MTec and Andrews now. It's a toss up between lower cost of MTec vs faster program at Andrews. Any help in this decision would be great as well!!
school
what seminar did you attend and is thw name of the program you took? i too went to a seminar. i was just wondering if it might have been the same. thanks for any info you can give.
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