I have been more than happy with my school.
Posted By: sm on 2005-09-23
In Reply to: M-tec , Career step Grads - Nae
It's MT Advantage Career Center. They used to be blasted for their old director but she's not there anymore. I signed up anyway and just love it. I couldn't imagine a more friendly place and a more thorough school and instructors.
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Happy as well
I have just recently graduated from Career Step with High Honors. I could not be happier with this course. I was a platinum student, which means they offer career placement services. I did not even need to use their services because I had two job offers. The grammar training and transcription practicum was excellent. I would recommend them to anyone.
IM SO HAPPY
  Im so happy im getting a .....FOOT PEDAL!!!!!! YEAH!!
Is anyone happy?
I am finishing up my studies and getting ready to look for a job. I keep reading posts from people who are unhappy with their current situations. Can anyone recommend some good employers? Thanks!
Job offers...I am happy....! sm
Well, ladies (and gentlemen), I graduated from my school with High Honors at the very end of February. I have been looking for a job for just over two weeks. I have no medical transcription experience, but I do have about 10 years of legal transcription experience.
So far, I have been offered three jobs! It is a wonderful feeling to know that you are wanted! Granted, one of the positions is paying terribly (although they seem very nice, and that's important too). The other is a sporadic assignment (not medically related). The lady in question will call me every couple of months or so with different interviews to transcribe. This will be nice as an added "extra" now and then, and I have already accepted her offer. The third position is paying fair money, and they seem like a dream company--just what I am looking for! I wanted part-time IC work (20 hours a week), all work conducted through the internet, the ability to use my own equipment and software, steady accounts, and decent pay. I will probably go with this company!
I have told the two employers offering steady IC work that I would like a week or so to think about it, and they agreed. I just want to make sure that I think everything through. This way, when I accept a job, I'll know for sure that it's the company I really want to go with, and I will be the best MT I can with no regrets.
I have worked very hard for this. I took many grueling tests, which I passed with very high marks. I have written scores of letters and made dozens and dozens of phone calls. I have plugged away at it religiously, and my dedication has really paid off.
To anyone out there looking for a job: Be professional, keep your chin up, and try your best everyday--and you will succeed!
Different considerations - happy MT
On the side of nursing the money is great, the demand is high. You have to consider whether or not you are a "people person", how much money you need to make, etc. I am enrolling in nursing school in the spring, but I still love being an MT. Frankly, medicine is facinating to me and either one is great.
On the side of MT, I did this so I could be home with my daughter. She is in school now and getting older. Being at home has a lot of plusses like obviously being there for your kids, but it also requires a HUGE amount of self discipline. I have seem other people fail simply because they were not equipped when it came to separating home/work and scheduling themselves and sticking to it. Money wise, NO, you will not make the money a nurse does, not even close at first, BUT after you get your feet wet and get some experience, you can do very well.
I flew through MT school and my experience doing this has given me credits for going back to nursing school. I have to take 2 prereq classes to get into the actually "nursing" part of the program.
Every job has some form of stress no matter what. I like the fact that I can get up and work around my daughter right now. It will not be able to be so flexible as a nurse.
Don't let what has been said about the AAMT discourage you. It isn't a requirement to be a member or have a CMT. Also it is an adjustment being paid on production and can get a little frustrating when you are first starting out and really have to take your time; however, before you know it, it will just click right into place.
Good luck not matter what you choose. 
Happy CS graduate
I'm a graduate of Career Step and have to say I'm very happy with the education I received from them. I didn't get the textbooks, so I can't comment on those. I studied completely online. I don't know much about Andrews or M-Tech except that they are very good schools. If I hadn't gone with Career Step I would have chosen one of them. Someone mentioned the graded/comparison difference between the schools and I think that would probably be one of the main differences. I think to like Career Step you have to be a very independent studier. Someone who just likes to be given the material and left alone to get it done unless you ask for help. That's me . I graduated from CS in 2004 and have never had to buy textbooks for additional education. I've bought resource books but not because of something lacking in my education but because that's one of the things that goes along with being a successful MT, but what I learned from CS is what I took with me into the workforce and it has been all I've needed to successfully find and keep an IC position where my boss was very pleased with my work. Eventually, I decided to go the employee route and found a job with one of the largest companies. I've had no problems or worries doing my job. There are a lot of opinions out there. You will either love Career Step or hate it. I've very seldom seen anyone "on the line" or "undecided". They have a definite opinion one way or the other. I think that's a compliment in itself. I'd much rather have someone "like" me or "hate" me. No in between or lukewarm for me.
Congrats...I am happy for you
So, tell me more. I guess I am excited for you because I remember those days...but not quite the same senario. I was considering voluteering when I landed my first job. I did not care...volunteering would bring about experience so I was willing but instead landed a job. The day that I was to start part-time, a full time position came up in medical records (my supervisor was willing to let me transcribe when I was caught up on my work). She was the greatest. She taught me quite a few things. She initially started me out on an ESL doctor and told me that if I could do him then I could do anyone else in the hospital. I really benefitted from that. I can go on and on...
But you tell me about your excitement.
Anyone who is not happy with outsourcing...
...might want to consider Barack Obama for president: He says he will ensure that US companies that outsource work to other countries will LOSE the tax breaks.
Something to consider anyway.
This could really be an important issue to all medical transcriptionists.
Thank you guys!!! I am so happy that ...
I found this board. I am feeling better when I am taking the tests and actually have a possible job offer when the company is able to hire again. They said they were on a hire freeze, but they are going to keep all my info until the freeze is over so that they may contact me.
Of course that doesn't mean that I can stop looking either. Again I just needed to vent, but i do thank you for the uplifting go get em comments from you both. It is very helpful.
Jenn
Happy New Year Everyone!
I hope everyone has a very excellent 2009, with all good things!
I am very happy for your situation
I have about 20 years experience and am at the top of my game...but I now only get VR work and I am paid about 0.5/line (and according to some reports...my VR is paid more than most..some are paid .02 to 04 line. So I will no way make 40,000 a year...and I do about 2300 lines a day VR...working my a$$ off.
I love my job and am very happy!
However, I feel like I should warn you that after a year and a half, I am still making around minimum wage. This is okay with me. I like being able to work at home and the flexibility. However, I know my salary would not work for everyone. Some people simply need more money right off the bat, so I don't think MT is the best choice for them.
Are there any happy Heartland employees out there?
t
6 cents a line and happy
Hmmmmm....you must not have any real bills, just blow by money eh?
CC - email me. I'll be happy to give you recommendations on equip. :) nm
nm
being able to make 40,000 year without a college degree is pretty good. I'm happy.
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)
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