New Careerstep Student, Need Advice
Posted By: mp3000 on 2008-05-28
In Reply to:
Hi everyone,
I recently started the CareerStep program and I need advice on any good websites that have additonal study info? or reference books? or memberships? What is the average starting pay? etc.
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MT student seeking advice
I am currently enrolled in a Community College MT certificate program and will finish in December of this year. The MT program is fairly new at this college and they don't yet have any internship or trainee arrangements with MT companies. I am completing Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Medical Transcription courses next week (summer session) with A's. This fall, I will be finishing with my last 2 required courses, Pharmacology and Medical Transcription II.
I am ready to work and would like to start gaining experience as soon as possible (part-time or full-time). I am a 42-year-old professional with 20+ years of business experience, including corporate management, and I also hold a BS degree. I would like some advice on finding companies that will employ me now -- before I have completely finished the college certificate program. I am extremely committed to producing quality work and I am ready to start proving myself. I welcome any suggestions, Thank you.
CareerStep
I've finished the Cs curse and found a full time at hme position with no problem, and with merely a certificate of completion (no diploma).
areer Step is fine if you can work without any help and are satisfied iwth no instructor or instructor comments. Also all of the transcriptions are computer graded, never seen by a human. therefore discrepencies are classified as "style".
I would suggest Andews which does pre-test and uses human beings.
I firmly believe I found my job because I did well on the employment test (98%) and had transcription experience.
Good luck :)
Considering CareerStep or ?
Hi everyone. I'm new to the board, and am seriously considering being trained as an MT. I've spoken to someone who does this PT, and she said to be careful not to spend more than necessary to get training; it's just "not necessary". In your experience, is CareerStep or other online training sites necessary to be successsful? (I want to train at home, and work from home.) I am self motivated, and disciplined, but would do better with a structured curriculum, I think.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
CareerStep
Hi everyone. I am hoping to get some information on the school CareerStep.com. I am looking to get into this field because I want to work from home (having our first baby in Sept.) I sort of know someone who has been in this field for about 3 years now and she said that Medquist and spheirs are the top 2 MT companies. So I went to both websites and saw they use CareerStep for online classes. If you have any knowledge on this school that would be great. Any info would be much appriciated. Is it worth the money? How is the information you get? Can I work as fast or slow as I want to complete the school? Please I want to get as much imput on this school as I can. Thank you everyone.
CareerStep
I would hire someone from Andrews or M-Tec much quicker than someone from CareerStep.
try www.careerstep.com
best training for the money.
CareerStep
Hi,
I'm researching m.t programs...I keep seeing ads for CareerStep. I guess what I've noticed the most is the ads and links for CareerStep on these large m.t companies when I've been researching job opportunities. Is CareerStep the "preferred school"?, or are they possibly just a paid advertiser on these sites? I'd like to hear from C.S students and grads and know what their experience was. Were companies willing to test you with no exp., given the fact that you went to C.S? Are they more willing to hire C.S grads with no exp? Thanks, Laura
careerstep.com
You can go to Careerstep.com and I think it tells you the exact cost. I think it ranges from $1300-$1500 depending on which package you get. I think you have to make $300-$400 payments over a 4 month time frame or something like that. They do offer a 10% military discount if that applies to anyone!
CareerStep
I found CareerStep through the AHDI website, and I was very impressed. I have not found anything bad about them, the only problem is the price. Right now I would be approved 100% for the Pell Grant, which would be like $4,800, but from reading over their website they don't take the PG. And the only thing I've been able to find is my local community college who of course takes PG. But then again the problem with that is I have to wait til' classes start, and then go by their roster and only go so fast... and eh. I'm the type of person that would MUCH rather prefer CareerSteps type that you can go as fast or as slow as you want.
So I was wondering if anyone could share their thoughts on CareerStep, preferrably someone who has actually gone to school through them, as I'm not big fan of "my friend...." stories. I don't care if you have negative or positive thoughts, as long as it was you personally who experienced it.
Can someone tell me the difference between M-TEC and CareerStep?
I'm trying to decide on which school. I hope to work at home and I do have a job lined up after I get training.
M-TEC looks so complete (their Premier program), but of course more expensive and longer than CareerStep. Does M-Tec offer open enrollment and working at your own pace? Do they have scheduled classes you must sign on for at a certain time? Are their classes a work at your own pace type?
I know that CareerStep has open enrollment and allows you to work at your own pace. It also doesn't have classes at specific times which is something I need since I have 7 children and I homeschool 5 of them. I just cannot stop everything in the middle of the day to do a class. Also, CareerStep is more affordable. I'd be able to afford to get another computer (my kids use this one for school much of the time and it would be too difficult to use it for schooling) and still pay for the program and the extras.
Anyway, I'd like your experienced input if possible. Thanks for your time.
I went to CareerStep, considered one of the top three
.
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?
AHP student also
I'm a student with AHP and speak via email/forums with another AHP student. We're both in the 'early' stages (I'm on course II, she's on course I, I think). We're excited about the possibility of work, and pay little attention to negative comments.
We're both adding to our education with books/resources mentioned by other schools ... and frequent several forums. I've heard of several other AHP students that started working immediately and are still working (I'd have to research to find them tho, I read too many posts LOL). Take heart!!! Feel free to contact me if you want ...
New MT student
I just recently enrolled in a MT course through at home professions. I am currently working as Registered Nurse at the hospital. I am planning to have a family in the next year or so. I thought being an MT would be perfect for me to stay home with the kids. I have been looking at all the job openings, I am worried that is going to be difficult to find a home based job without experience. Is that the case or am I just paranoid? Thanks
MT Student
If you are an MT student, my question would be why wouldn't you just ask your teacher that question?
MT Student
Usually, when someone refers to "resources" they do not mean other MTs. Part of your schooling is to learn how to figure out things and search for things yourself; at that point ask your teacher; that's what your paying her for!
Student MT
Hello,
I am in the process of completing my education, 4 more chapters to go, in medical transcription and would like to know if anyone knows of a company that is willing to hire student transcriptionists. I desperately need to find employment and can not wait until I finish my course. I have already completed my education in medical terminology and received my certificate.
I have asked the school, Allied Business Schools, and they told me that they could assist me but I should wait until I complete my education and receive my certificate. I do not think I can wait any longer for employment of some sort... bill collectors are starting to hound me.
Any suggestions would be very much appreciate.
Glenn
MT student
Hi,
I am a fairly new MT student and I attend Mtec. For any of you who believe that getting an MT job is like pulling teeth then I would like to suggest that you go to the Mtec boards and read the posts there. So many of the graduates from Mtec seem to find jobs and plenty of them upon graduating. Of course, you get what you give too. Meaning you have to put your time and effort into learning this stuff and NO IT"S NOT EASY! It is an 18 month course or less if you can do it in less time and they prepare their graduates. These short-cut courses or colleges who tell you that after 3-6 months you will be working as an MT are full of bull. I am sure you have all even read that you have to work 2 years in the field to be able to work from home. Not true for Mtec students, they are working from home right after graduating. Anyway.... just thought you might like to check them out for those who are seriously interested.
Cindy
New Student Help
I am just now beginning to actually type transcripts, my study materials don't tell me what font or size to use, I have chosen Times New Roman 12 and my transcripts don't look the same as those in my lessons. And here comes the lamest question. I am typing an H&P and on the heading it looks like the underscore is bold but I can't get mine bold? Already frustrated 
CareerStep is also an excellent school. Their
.
That is simply not true. CareerStep's course is NOT
through the entire course. And you get everything you need to become an excellent MT. I know because I took the course and am now working in a good job. But don't take my word for it. Call some MT employers. Ask them about CareerStep. Ask them which course they recommend. You will see how many employers LOVE CareerStep! Don't listen to any naysayer with an axe to grind.
If you graduated from CareerStep, M-TEC, or Andrews,
But there are other good schools too. Those are just the well-known online ones. Just keep applying and applying--and ACE those tests. Make sure your resume is EXCELLENT. You'll find something. Good luck!
Yes, and while you're at it, check out CareerStep
.
Choose either CareerStep, M-TEC, or Andrews...all 3
I know. I accept grads from Career Step!
That is a book that is part with the CareerStep Course.
You would only need it if you are a text student. Otherwise, it is a unit in the online course.
New MT Student - Arizona
Hi,
I just started a MT program this week. I will be graduating (in 2007)from Gateway Community College in Phoenix Arizona. Just wondering if any on this board has attended Gateway and what your experience finding work was after graduation.
It seems like an excellent program and I'm excited to be starting something new!
Also, in the future I'd like to go on to Radiology or Ultrasound (not as an MT) ; has/does anyone here transcribe and work in another health field? I'm asking this because both the Radiology and Ultrasound programs are two year programs - that require you to attend full time; not something I can do working outside of the home.
Thanks in advance for any responses. I'm happy I found this board, it's going to be of great help to me during my schooling.
Student and working
Well I can say this, I am a MT student at Career Step now. I am also taking their coding program. I have been subcontracting for a few months now for a couple of different places and I was just hired by another place yesterday so it can be done.
New MT Student and need to know if I should continue?
I just started the Career Step course thru Canscribe at a cost of about $4500 CDN and I'm starting to wonder if this is worth doing or not? I don't need a huge income from this, I'd like to work at home, and still make upwards of $15k/year. Does that seem reasonable? Or should I pull out now while I can still recoup some of my course costs? What would you do? I tried to research as well as I could beforehand but I'd hate to put in all the time and money only to be no further ahead.
nervous student
Hi, I've never posted here before but sometimes come here looking for unadulterated opinions on being an MT. It seems like the perfect job for me. I've always done very well in English class. I have a very easy time remembering things, and I think the medical field is very interesting. I'm currently taking an online course (CS) and am wondering if I should simultaneously enroll in local classes. I'm really nervous about becoming an MT because it seems there are so many horror stories posted here. My training is going very well and I'm enjoying it, but it is all pointless if I don't find gainful employment. The most money I have ever made in one year is $16,000 so I'm hoping to do quite a bit better than that. I am not a stay-at-home mom looking for a second household income; I need to support myself and get out of debt. There are so many negative posts here though that I can't help but worry. Is it just that this is a gathering place for people who want to complain while there are many happily employed MTs that just aren't interested in visiting this forum?
I am a student at Andrews.
I will be graduating shortly. My experience so far has been AWESOME. I can't tell you how well prepared you will be at the end of the course. I too am a CNA and was thinking about furthering my career in healthcare. BUT now I have two beautiful children and wanted to do something that would keep me closer to home. The only warning that I would give you is about the daycare thing. Even just studying, I can see how mentally demanding this job is going to be. I am going to enroll my youngest in a local pre-k (just down the street) for a few hours a day just because. I know there are many people that do wonderful jobs all while taking care of their children who are with them during the day, but I sincerely believe that just starting out you need to have a few hours of uninterrupted work time. I love the ads that have children sitting quietly beside their mother and the mother is smiling and "transcibing." Yeah, right! That being said, I love Andrews. We have a wonderful, supportive, private board and many grads hang out there and share all of their experiences. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong with either school. Hope this helps.
MT Student Has Question
Hi,
I am a medical transcription student at Sinclair Community College in Ohio, and I am taking a business communications class that requires me to interview a medical transcriptionist. I don't know any MTs personally, so I was wondering if anyone here could possibly answer 10 questions for me. I would really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!! Here are the questions:
1. How long have you worked as a medical transcriptionist?
2. What certification have you received?
3. What attracted you to pursuing a career in medical transcription?
4. What type of environment do you work in (i.e. from home, physician’s office, hospital, other).
5. What do you think are the most important skills a medical Transcriptionist should have?
6. Did some skills come naturally to you, while others required more practice?
7. In addition to transcribing medical reports, do you engage in other forms of business writing while on the job (such as memos, proposals, or progress reports, etc.) to clients, coworkers, or supervisors? Please explain.
8. What do you think is the most difficult aspect of medical transcription?
9. What do you find to be the easiest aspect of medical transcription?
10. As a medical transcriptionist, do you often need to collaborate with others to ensure that all the information in your reports is correct?
THANK YOU!
I'm a current student
And now I'm worried after reading some of these responses. I only chose this program because it had a better price then some other ones out there (about $400 for a certificate program versus $2300 for another one that came with a "free" laptop). Unfortunately, money is tight for me so I had to factor that into my decision. Now I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to find work with my "education" from them...
its as good as the student who ...
does the work. If you don't do the work, you can't blame the school. Unless it was like TRSI, which is a horrible school. They ignore student emails like mine, they have teachers come and go every month (I had FIVE in 1 year!). If CS will answer your questions as you do the work required, then to me, that is a good school, or at least one sign of a good school.
You can't miss with Andrews, MTEC, or Careerstep. NM
x
I miss the CareerStep message boards
The boards are closed to people who didn't go to that school. I didn't go and love the school I went to, but that board was great because it had a lot of job leads and information on companies, especially smaller MTSOs. I would love to be able to access it again.
Newbie/Student response
I am not yet a professional MT, as I am still in school and have been unable to find employment, but from what I have learned so far in school I understand that paying attention to details is one of the most important aspects of being an MT. If this is actually the case, why would anyone take a possible employment opportunity so lightly as to skip directions or misspell words on an application? For those of us who are trying very hard to find work, this is rather insulting. An MT is supposed to be proficient in grammatical skills (!!!!!), so anyone applying for a position should have enough respect for himself and the company that he is applying to that he would at least read the instructions on the application. I am not trying to be rude or cruel in any way, but I just feel that so many errors on an application would most likely discourage an employer from hiring the applicant.
Another thing, when looking for employment last night I accidentally stumbled across an Indian transcription company. On it were many testimonials from employees and hopeful employees of the company. There were so many misspelled and out of context words in these statements! I know that my grammar has a long way to go; that’s why I keep and handbook by my side when I am trying to perform professionally. Why is it that so many companies prefer these people that can’t even use English well over Americans that are studying to perfect the use of our native language? I am having a hard time finding any company that is willing to hire a new-grad, so all of the bad grammar coming from the Transcriptionist on that site hit my mean bone. Please don’t think I am a bitter, sarcastic person because I am not. I just find myself a little erked at offshore companies. I know that I will find I great opportunity soon enough.
Newbie/Student reply
1. When a job post indicates that a resume is to be pasted directly in the body of the message, why would you attach it? Do you have a specific reason for doing that?
I, personally, wouldn't attach if requested not to do so (as has happened in other responses from me to non-MT companies). However, I can see the OCCASIONAL error of doing so, but not as a 'norm.'
2. If the job post states that you must have your own equipment specific to the job (i.e. foot pedal for *wav files, C-phone) or provide your own high-speed ISP), why would you apply for the position if you cannot afford to buy the equipment?
The only possible explanation for this is ...... frankly, I can't think of an explanation. Personally speaking, I wouldn't apply for an IC position if I didn't have the correct equipment (or I might ask if I'm considered can I have 'x' time to acquire that equipment, if not, its the MTSO's prerogative to say no).
3. Is there a reason you submit an application with spelling errors, poor punctuation, etc.?
Hmmmm, I check mine, unless we have a conversation going (i.e., exchanging letters, IM's, etc) and I'm not horribly serious about the job (at least in the beginning of the conversation, that might change dependant on the information I've received).
And, now, a statement/question from me ...
4. ... Do you feel that I have the right to ask you, the newbie, to re-listen to the original dictation and read the “new report” with all the blanks filled in, but not pay you for this time? Would you be willing to do that?
I think this is a perfectly reasonable request, and any newbie (like me) who wouldn't choose this option is short-changing her/himself in learning and expanding their knowledge base and allowing him/herself to grow and become more valuable to the current MTSO (or a future one).
Why would you ask this question on the New MT/Student Board? nm
??
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.
Please see inside for info on grads/Spheris/CareerStep
http://www.careerstep.com/clientspromos/spheris/
Career Step is pleased to announce an innovative partnership with Spheris, a leading national employer of medical transcriptionists. Beginning in 2005, a select group of Career Step students will be offered the opportunity to participate in the exclusive Spheris Training Track. The Spheris Training Track has been designed around Career Step’s proprietary medical transcription training program. Portions of the training program have been tailored to meet the specific training and hiring requirements of Spheris.
Program Objectives
The primary objective of the Spheris Training Track is to minimize the training period for new employees by incorporating on-the-job training directly into the Career Step course. It is expected that graduates of the Spheris Training Track will move quickly and seamlessly into a production-based medical transcription position with Spheris. This innovative training is designed to systematically expose students to a wide variety of practice sound files that more closely approximate the actual Spheris working environment. Additionally, students who enter this program will receive intensive training and practice on Spheris' proprietary web-based medical transcription platform.
Advantages of The Program
Although Career Step graduates are eligible to apply for Spheris entry-level positions, the special training that students receive through the Spheris Training Track will enable them to apply for more advanced positions within the Spheris organization.
How it Works
Spheris Training Track classes will be formed frequently, based upon the current recruiting needs of Spheris. At the formation of each class, a select number of Career Step students will be offered entrance into the Spheris training track. Selection and participation are based on student performance and Spheris' current recruiting needs. While the demand for well-trained medical transcriptionists is high, the selection process for entrance into the program is rigorous and competitive.
More About Career Step
Career Step is one of the nation's leading providers of online medical transcription training. Career Step enjoys a tremendous market advantage in the industry by virtue of its reputation as an innovative, competency-based training company. Career Step believes that the success of any training program is defined by the success of the graduates from that program. With thousands of Career Step graduates enjoying successful careers as medical transcriptionists, Career Step is the leader in quality medical transcription education. Career Step has been in business since 1992 and is based in Springville, Utah.
In recent years Career Step has rolled out additional high quality products, such as an online medical transcription testing service, and a medical coding certificate program. Career Step is now viewed as a purveyor of leading edge technology solutions to companies throughout the industry.
Each year, for the past four years, Career Step has been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the state of Utah by the Mountain West Venture Group. Career Step was additionally the 335th fastest growing privately-held business in the country, according to Inc. Magazine.
Career Step also currently maintains relationships with dozens of prominent community colleges nationwide that offer the Career Step training program to their students under an exclusive licensing agreement.
More About Spheris
Spheris is the world's second-largest outsourced medical transcription company and currently works with practitioners in 450 health systems, hospitals and group practices. Spheris provides medical transcription services to clinics and practices as well as some of the largest, most prestigious medical centers throughout North America.
Today, Spheris employs more than 5,000 professional Medical Transcriptionists which support the company’s clients through secure networks, using a Web-based system with integrated voice, text and data.
Spheris is headquartered in Franklin, TN, with major operations in St. Petersburg, FL and Sterling, VA.
Never heard of them, probably wouldn't hire a student from them.
Best advice I can give: Invest in an education that gives a recruiter warm fuzzies, and be on top/near the top of that class.
Would you want your surgeon to graduate from a cheap university on a remote island?
MTinTX gets kickback for every student she recruits
X
New student, are ergonomic supplies worth it?
I'm looking into ergonomic keyboards, chairs, etc. Are they worth it? Are there any items out there that you think are trash, worth the money, or "must haves"? Any other advice to a new student of M-Tec is welcome!
Thanks in advance!
Requesting student info about MT programs, please.
I want to hear from recent students completing the MT programs - how did your MT program work? Was it all just work at your own pace? Did you have any classroom time or any time that you had to join an online class? Did you have good communication with your instructor(s)? Did they answer you timely? nything you would have like to have seen done differently in the program you chose? How long did it take you to complete it? Did they help you find a job?
I know I need the education to fill in the big holes on the little experience I have. I will be getting info from schools like Career Step and Andrews and MTEC but I would like to hear from anyone in or graduating from those programs, too.
Please feel free to e-mail me.
Thanks,
Roz
AHDI Student Alliance has a mentor
program set up. If you can, visit the AHDISA website. Just post that you are interseted in the postgraduate mentor program, and they will give you more info.
Website is ahdisa.org
Good luck!
Good MT Schools--CareerStep Medical Transcription Program
Hi--saw your message and I am a graduate of a really good MT school--CAREERSTEP.
Just type in www.careerstep.com and check it out!! It is really a good school and they have either textbook and tapes method or online course--2 types, I believe--Gold online and Platinum online. Goodluck!!!
In answer to your question, top schools are Andrewsschool.com, mtecinc.com, careerstep.com
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I am a student noob--throw me some work, I won't say "no"
I am a MT student and almost done with training. I am also a registered nurse with my BSN AND I was a Navy journalist (so I can type and copyedit like mad). I am willing to take some work from someone if they can walk me through the set-up (equipment-wise, all I have used is a foot pedal) and everything I need, etc. Maybe a little instruction on templates..
Not so picky about the pay as I would like some experience first..I will NOT post my resume on a public forum such as this, but I will be more than happy to send it to you if requested. Please email me ******. Thanks!
****Edited by Moderator: Please do not post email addresses. *****
Andrews, MTEC, and CareerStep produce graduates that are regularly hired. NM
x
Would really appreciate advice
Advice
The employer DOES know how well you'll do. At least, he thinks he does. He knows that you have the same training that other failed new-hires had--all the new MTs from that school who didn't work out and wasted his money.
You can do well in your course, but if your course did not teach what you truly needed to know, you've learned little. Your opinion about the quality of the education isn't important at all--you have no basis to know if it's good or not.
You hope it is, but employers are telling you that it is not.
It's unfortunate that you spent your time and money on a bad choice, but that was your choice. At this point, the best thing you can do is try to salvage what you can from it.
Yes, someone might be surprised, but complaining about the injustice you have received as a result of your decision isn't going to inspire anyone to want to give you that chance.
It would be better for you to improve your capabilities and apply again. The employers are telling you that you are not ready to work.
Another choice would be for you to write up what your course did cover, in detail, with a comparison to other schools' coursework. Present that to the employer and ask if they will test you.
You'll have to present yourself very professionally for this to work. You have a number of language, grammar, and punctuation errors in your posts, so you would do well to pay close attention to that. You don't want that to alienate an employer. That may, in fact, already be what has alienated them.
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