PCDI teaches some grammar...
Posted By: AshB on 2005-12-06
In Reply to: couldn't agree more - grammar is critical yet not taught in the MT schools sm - JoV
Believe it or not, PCDI actually does have a good section of their lessons put aside for grammar. I have still not mastered grammar (I'm not even close), but the lessons that PCDI gave me for grammar sure helped refresh some lost and forgotten rules!
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Wrong. As I said, her English vocab & grammar were great, but PCDI didn't teach her enough medic
With an adequate school she would have been great. She had been a secretary for years and had transcribed business dictation previously. She just couldn't learn enough terms in 3 months or whatever.
Which teaches should of is should have? I vote for them. NM
x
Andrews teaches Canadian students.
Same goes for Andrews -- you can train with them from Canada and they have a number of Canadian students.
The suggestion to call the directors and talk to them is a good one. The schools teach much the same material and achieve the same ends.
Andrews does have an entrance exam, so be sure to take that first. Some find the decision much easier after that . . . :)
grammar, honey, grammar...
Not at all intending to say I was better than you. Merely pointed out that grammar is an integral part of MT and one area in which you are handicapped. I felt my post was respectful, informative and fair. However, feel free to sink your two grand into MT schooling and then try to find a job. I've been at this for over twenty years and I'm telling you right now-- you won't find one...
If you can afford it, a college program or business school that teaches it. You'll make contacts,
s
grammar
I don't mean to be so critical, but it seems that quite a few people on this forum have poor grammar and very bad spelling. These are two VERY important skills in this profession. I think it would be wise for some people to reconsider their choice in professions. If you never liked Engish in school or did not do well in in this subject, this will not be a good job for you. You will spend too much time correcting yourself. Please think about this.
GrammAR
"What is your very good in all the other parts of MT and only average in the grammer."
You are poor in both grammAr AND spelling. How do you expect to be good with medical terms if you don't even understand basic English?
Grammar
"... mispelling of English terms such as there/their and your/you're. Some MTs tend to think the way a poster spells on an MT board says something about their mastery of the English language."
It does. Either you know correct English grammar, or you do not. If you use the wrong form of a word, it's because you obviously do not know the difference, not just because you happen to be typing someplace besides "at work." Get real.
grammar
Are you the grammar police? I believe that was a simple mistake and I do know the English language, but I am also a happy person you on the other hand do not seem to be. Thank you though for the wonderful uplifting message you left me.
Grammar
grammar
Thanks! sounds like a great idea.
PCDI
I am actually a current student of PCDI's program, and I am seriously beginning to regret my decision to use this school. They lead you to believe that they have employment placement over the phone, but I have now come to find out that they only write you a letter of recommendation because there are so many students in their program. They take 6 weeks to grade lessons, so I have been doing all of my lessons at once and sending them in with 2 1/2 months between shipments. I become rusty between assignments and practically have to relearn everything again. I am not happy with PCDI. I would never recommend this school to anyone considering an education in medical transcription. I am looking for a mentor to help me because no company is interested in hiring me. One company actually told me that they will not hire new graduates from PCDI. This upsets me but it is hard to blame them. If anyone as aware of any company that will hire from PCDI, please let us know!! The whole reason I decided to begin a career in medical transcription is so that I can be here with my family while I bring in income. If I have to get an office job because no one will hire me or give me a chance then the purpose of this entire education is defeated.
pcdi
do you feel like you were trained for the equipment that is out there? have you been able to find a job?
pcdi
well that's good to know. its also great to find someone nice in this room. i have come across some rough people in here.
pcdi
MEANING??
PCDI
I have been attending PCDI but, I can't figure out if I should try to graduate. I have been able to find a mentor with many years experience who will train me. My concern is that when I need to branch off and get my own work, employers will want to see a completed course in MT. Any advice welcome!!
pcdi
I have gotten almost through all of the anatomy portion and supposed to be moving on to the third and final portion which is actual transcription.
pcdi
I think that if it were me, I would finish. You have nothing to lose by finishing. If nothing else, it may help you in the long run. You don't have that much more to go, and as I said in my last post, they may not let you get your money back for the tuition since you have already come this far.
It's PCDI
I think it depends on the individual,no matter what school you go to. It's the individual that either understands it or they don't. Practice makes perfect,the more you do,the more you learn.
PCDI???
That's where I took my course. When I find sample reports on the web they appear to be exactly as I have learned them, and the materials I obtained from PCDI are great resources. But, I'm still curious what others think of the training they offer? Is it up to par? I certainly don't want to be laughed at when I send out my resume!!!  Thanks! LISA
PCDI
You might not be laughed at, but sorry to say many places will not allow you to take their employment test, either. PCDI does not fully prepare you to work as an MT. You might get lucky. If not, you will need a better course, such as Andrews School or M-TEC.
Good luck to you.
PCDI
I believe I tested with about a dozen companies online. Simultaneously, I sent in my resume. I didn't go to PCDI, but if those companies are willing to let folks test up front, I'd think they'd want to see your skills before judging you solely based on what school you attended. I'd try those companies if you're worried about being laughed at. That way, you can prove yourself right away. Besides, it's good practice. There's a list of many MT companies on this site. Go through them to find the ones with the testing option up front.
PCDI
You may want to see the following threads for PCDI.
http://www.mtstars.com/find/index.cgi?board=medical_transcription-3&query=PCDI
http://www.mtstars.com/find/index.cgi?query=PCDI&board=main-1
pcdi
yeah i know what you mean i guess. i graduated with an a+ average from pcdi. but i have applied for two jobs and failed both of the tests horribly. I just felt like they didn't give me the real world experience. I guess i will just keep trying and practicing to see what happens.
I used PCDI and I can tell you.....
I felt lost!! I did pass a test to get hired where I am now. But I had to do a 6 month internship before getting paid, and boy did I have a lot to learn. I know they recently changed some of their curriculum, but I don't know if it is better or not. I do not think they are as extensive as you really need, but they will get you started, just don't be suprised if you have to do an internship to get a foot in the door somewhere.
PCDI
I am also finishing up with PCDI but have some medical background. I also feel let down. Who did you apply with that would consider you to test?
PCDI?
Did anyone take PCDI's medical transcription course? They just changed their name to Ashworth University. I just completed the couse. Do MT companies recognize this college as legitimate training?
PCDI?
Thanks for the response. My husband took a course from them, too. He got on with the city as a building inspector (he took the home inspection course) but he didn't make enough money off of it and had to go back to his old career.
PCDI
I currently attend PCDI. I am one exam away from completing the course. I have realized that PCDI only requires you to do 24 transcriptions. They total only 50 minutes of dication time! However, the CD they send you with those dictations have over 150 other dictations. I have been working my way thru them and I feel so much more confident about what I have learned. I know plenty of people have said PCDI is not a great school. But I know my medical terminology and in the process of typing all those dictations up I have increased my wpm. So while it isnt a top-notch school, I don't feel my money was wasted.
Grammar gals
Hey just wondering if everyone in this business was a top notch grammar gal in high school? 
Since grammar and punctuation are
very important in MT & you say you're having some trouble in that area, you could pick up a copy of a college grammar text book such as 'Little Brown Handbook' and brush up on it. I found it very helpful.
verbatim/grammar
I used to get hung up on the same thing. Do what you feel most comfortable with. When you get a job, they will tell you what they want you to do. Just realize that it very difficult to type exactly what they are comparing you to. Look at it and see if it really an error or just preference of formating.
PCDI training
Nicole, you if do not know what H&P is after finishing a transcription course, then you did not get what you paid for!
PCDI grad
Hi, I graduated from PCDI and have been an MT for about a year now. I had to struggle a lot at first, more than people who would have graduated from the better schools, I am sure. I feel very good about where I am at now, though. I have two jobs, one part time and one full time, and have been working at home since December of last year.
However, if you feel you have not learned anything it may be best for you to look into more training. I would not turn around and tell someone looking to get into this field to go to PCDI. There is a big difference from what we learned and what reality is.
I am not trying to discourage you. If you have the will, I am sure you will do just fine. I would, though, really assess how you feel about it because if you wish to go this route, it will take a lot of work on your part. Good luck to you!
and lots of grammar errors.
It is always good to have dreams.....
Without good grammar you would not even pass - sm
the test(s) you take in order to get a job. They ask a zillion grammar questions, which word to use (affect/effect; their/there; advise/advice), spelling, etc. Also all MTs, no matter how many years experience, be it 1 month or 15 years, must be able to take criticism (and learn from it). That is the first lesson you must learn. No matter how good a MT course is reputed to be, you will still have plenty to learn at the end of it. Many have the attitude that they all the all-knowing diva of MT and everyone else is full of it. So the OP needs to get rid of the chip on their shoulder, I know people here can be quite harsh and some of those here could be a bit more tactful, but bottom line is that they are right.
Grammar Text Book
Hey sm, just looked for that book on Amazon and there are quite a few different Little Brown Handbooks, could you tell me the ISBN#, author and edition? Thanks.
However, I might suggest you work on your grammar skills!
Most services are looking more for proper spelling, grammar, and
sentence structure than they are layout. I don't give a hoot what the layout looks like because I have my own way of doing things that I train the MT on how to do upon hire.
Not true, I made a 95 once. But grammar and spelling
are key issues as stated below.
We took on a PCDI grad where I work, and they did not prepare her
adequately even to do radiology work. We utilized her as a temp for a few weeks, and the only thing that got her by was her good English vocabulary. She didn't even know when to ask questions a lot of the time. She didn't know how to utilize reference books or websites, either. So I had to look over every report I had time to and make corrections. Any reports that I couldn't check went straight to the radiologists. Thankfully most of them caught on that we had a newbie and they needed to check every word. It was a shock to them.
Acute care would have been leagues over her head, poor thing.
There is no need to correct grammar or spelling mistakes on this board. (NM)
Goldbird
couldn't agree more - grammar is critical yet not taught in the MT schools sm
I find it makes or breaks any MT I take on. I wish they would focus more on it. Most people can't figure out plural possessive or whether to use affect or effect.
Nice advice, however, learning good grammar usually falls somewhere
between grades 1-8 and, even more so, 9-12, if you are lucky enough to be exposed to good schools. If they have not been the afforded the opportunity to attend a solid grade school, as well as a high school, with teachers who emphasize and demand the importance of correct grammar, they are going to be left behind when it comes to MTing, or have to take some English classes to catch up on what they missed during the early days of learning.
The egregious grammar errors are much worse than misspelling one word.
Congratulations is not a word used frequently in MT, it was just an example. I'm being honest (and trying to be helpful) suggesting she brush up on grammar. Definitely meant no offense.
Search the boards and send out resumes, and review your grammar and punctuation
s
aren't we lucky this site has you to correct our spelling/grammar usage.
maybe you should consider editing.
See "Cheapie Correspondence Schools" post below for our most recent mention of PCDI. (nm)
(nm)
Penn Foster & PCDI can't help with job placement because it's too hard to find jobs for their
Not being mean, just honest. There's a reason they won't help with placement. They take your money for their course and don't care if you can get a job afterwards or not. And most people can't, because they are not trained well enough by those courses.
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