I'm going to say at an outside source where you attend classes - college, business, or computer

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  • I'm going to say at an outside source where you attend classes - college, business, or computer - schools, etc. Great stuff! nm
    • Considering that most colleges are going online - sm
  • The best place to train is - sm
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Hi Allie,

I wouldn't attend that Community College from what you have said.  The CC I went to had two wonderful teachers who were semi-retired MTs.  I vaguely remember that the clerks I enrolled with knew very little.  I grew to be very impressed with the teachers over time.  A great teacher is such a blessing.

Med Workshops' staffing school did a good job for us almost 2 years ago.  I've spoken with the owner Karen over the phone.  She is bright and honest.  We moved to another school because they offered us a better deal financially.  We will probably use Med Workshops again in the future sometime.  Remember that they are like a wholesale alternative.  They probably don't have a sales staff for the "retail student". 

But, a wholesale approach doesn't mean you don't get assistance.  It means they make most of their money training students for individual employers.  Companies like this don't advertise to the public.  They contact the larger transcription companies and are looking at a different model.  They are dealing in groups to be able to cut overhead, etc. etc.  Companies like who I work for find this very appealing because a basic education is usually very similar everywhere because the same 2-3 teaching aids (books, CDs, online) are used by almost all schools. 

We are looking at teacher/mentor support for the students and also the cost of education.  We won't be able to find enough students at one time if we have to rely on a very expensive retail school- they aren't set up to satisfy our needs, but their program might be great.  Retail at $3800 or wholesale at about $2000?  For employers like mine the answer is simple.

I'm getting caught in a "25 words or less" dilemma in trying to explain this.  I feel some here will jump all over me if I don't say just the right thing.

I've been saying that, I see this wholesale or staffing school approach as the new wave in education because it solves problems for the students and the employers.  It's a win win.

I hope everyone keeps an open mind and just considers these ideas.  I'm not saying this is the only solution for everyone.  Don't hit me, I'm just a messenger.

Hello

I am ready to sign up for classes but I have a few questions.

For one, I have looked at what would be considered the better schools, Andrews, MTEC, Career Step. But the problem for me is that the require at least $500 up front and I just don't have that kind of money right now. 

 My question is are the schools like Ashworth, Penn Foster any good? They will allow me to pay a small down payment and monthly payments.  If I go to one of those schools will I be able to find work?

My last question is how easy is it to find work once I complete this course? I am a homemaker with 6 children. My husband is the sole provider and I really need to have money coming in right now.  I am hoping this career choice will allow me to work from home and bring in extra funds.

Any answers will help.

Thanks.

likely be able to get a job upon graduation.

Andrews School - www.andrewsschool.com
MTec - www.mtecinc.com
Career Step - www.careerstep.com
SETT - www.settinc.com

Don't fall for the fly by night schools.  What are fly by night schools?  Generally, those that advertise all over creation trying to drum up business.  Those that rent out halls in hotels and have conferences promising that you'll make a ton of money the first year.  Any school that promises you big bucks straight out of school.  Those that run TV ads offering every "degree" under the sun including medical transcription.  Those that make you buy their expensive players and footpedals before you can get started.  Those that you find a zillion "testimonials" posted on every discussion forum available.

I have done a few searches, and it seems that there are only a few companies that offer a computer for your own in-home use.  I'm just curious about this.  Do the majority of the companies offer their own computers and are just not saying on their websites?  Do most of them charge a monthly fee for the use?...or do you mainly have to provide your own computer? 

Thanks in advance for any info. 

Hello, which companies provide a computer? Just curious.

I am a newbie and looking into buying a laptop computer to use for work.  I would like to know if that is okay.  The reason that I wanted a laptop computer for work is because I wanted to be still working wherever I maybe even if I am not at home.  Is that possible? If it's okay, what laptop computers do you recommend?

Hello, I have been researching the medical Transcriptionist field for months.  I have applied and been accepted into a training program but am finding myself hesitant to move forward for several reasons.  Maybe someone could give me some advice?  1)  I am seeing more and more comments about MT work being outsources overseas and I am concerned I am moving into a business that will be dying in a matter of a few years  2)  I am concerned I am moving into a business that will take me several years to make a solid living wage above poverty(in building a business) as I read so often of those individuals starving to get started the first 2-3 years 3)  In searching several boards it seems that many long hours are being put in by individuals just waiting for work, which actually makes the work day significantly longer. I am just expressing what I continue to read over and over again on several sites and hearing from MT's I have been fortunate enough to correspond with. Truthfully, I am a mother trying to ensure I secure a future for myself and my family. I am not trying to be negative, just realistic. I look forward to your advice

EMR/VR is described in previous post.  If you do VR you are an MT and an Editor with a pay of 3 to 4 cpl.  Not my cup of tea but some people may prefer it.  You will see the large outsourcing companies send work out alot more often now to increase their profit margin - ALOT.  Therefore you are going to be limited as to how much you can make with them.  If you earned $2500 a month full time, there is someone sitting in India or the Philippines just waiting to do your job for an average of $239 a month.  Bottom line is that saving $$ will almost always be the deciding factor.  To avoid that situation, I have gone to a company that hires U.S. MTs only.  That is proudly posted on their web sites and companies who post on MT Stars.  You get paid more, there is steady work, and it will not be outsourced.  That is not to say that the client will not end up outsourcing as a cost saving measure.  Try to support U.S. companies and help them to grow.  They are the ones trying their best to protect U.S. jobs, not the AHDI.  If it is up to them, in the future the MT positions will probably be cut in half or more by 2015. 

As far as satisfying work.  If you have an account that you get good on, maximize your potential, and earn up to $20 or more than hour - that is satisfying!!  And by the way, there is no way your husband could ever guess what it is like to be an MT.  Stressful, yes.  Boring, no.  The knowledge and technology training you receive are invaluable, as long as you can make money doing it.  Not so easy these days, but possible if you don't mind changing companies/clients until you find the right fit.