There are only two very good schools M-Tec and Andrews.
Posted By: MTSO on 2006-02-08
In Reply to: Schools?? - rmotl
There are only two schools approved by AAMT. Do you want to work for a national at home? If the answer is yes, then you need to go to a school that is acknowledged by the big services as the best. If you want to work at your community hospital, then you need to go into the community hospital and ask them where they would recommend you get training. Most likely they will not have heard of Andrews or M-Tec, but they may hire from your local community college and then you would be okay with going there.
Accreditation with on-like programs is not the same as with college education. What you are asking for doesn't exist with an excellent program. Places get accredited for their state, but this doesn't mean that they necessarily know anything about MT or even teaching MT. They have the money, and ability to fill out the forms that the teachers have credentials and they use basic materials.
Figure out who you want to employ you and back track. Being able to investigate is a skill necessary for being an MT. Good luck with your decision.
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- Schools?? - rmotl
- There are only two very good schools M-Tec and Andrews. - MTSO
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top 3 schools are Career Step, M-Tec & Andrews
xx
M-TEC and Andrews are the two best. Forget about the approved schools ...
they approved Career Step despite the fact that it did NOT even meet their criteria!
Andrews School and M-TEC are the absolute best schools.
Career Step is a distant third. Any other are not worth the money and nobody will waive the 2-year's experience for any schools but those.
They are not a good school; try Andrews or M-TEC
x
lots of good info at M-TEC and Andrews web sites - nm
x
Good schools??
How do you determine what is a good reputable school and which one is a waste of money & time?
Thank you!
The Good Schools
Andrews and M-Tec. Career Step is also considered to be a good school. Andrews and M-Tec are the gold standard, the Harvard and Yale, of MT training. Their graduates have no difficulty finding work because employers know those schools turn out job-ready MTs.
Those aren't the only good schools
I was hired at a national straight out of CS. In fact I had 2 job offers within a couple weeks of finishing the program with zero medical experience prior to that. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a good education.
Good schools to attend that you will not have problems with and
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.
Why doesn't someone give some good reports on other schools
One person on this board constantly rips the so-called Big 3. Instead of doing that, why doesn't she bring some good facts forward about her own school. That would be more productive.
While you're researching the schools, be sure to get a good resume sm
and keep it updated at the local hospitals, services, etc. If you are really interested and have some training, you're chance of hospital work is better than having none. That is the best training ground you can find. Years ago I started at a local hospital with a semester of medical terminology. Those breaks are rare now, but you might get lucky.
In all honesty, though, you will probably have to take a "legitimate" course. I wish we could get the word out nationwide. I also know people who paid their money and still had no marketable skill. 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!!!
There is plenty of work, I agree. Grads from good schools
Forget "approved" schools. AAMT set the criteria, then approved schools that didn't meet i
Stick with Andrews or M-Tec (both of which happen to be "approved") but forget about any others, they are not worth it.
Good. The lab book was a good choice.
Be sure you look through each book when you get it. Put tabs on sections you will want to refer to quickly. I know my lab book (not Stedman's) has all kinds of extra sections. I think my next purchase would be the cardiac book. Then neuro or OB-GYN after that, depending on which you are getting more of in your work.
Andrews vs. M-Tec...
Is M-Tec every bit as good as Andrews as far as:
1. Preparing a person to enter the MT field
and
2. Almost guaranteeing a job for a student upon graduation. (Realizing, of course, that this depends on the individual.) But all else equal, does graduating from M-Tec virtually guarantee that many companies will waive the normal 2-year experience requirement and allow a new graduate to test?
Thanks
Not at Andrews
As an Andrews grad, 95% was the minimum required of each assignment of each section before you were permitted to advance to the next section. And, 95% was no guarantee that you wouldn't still be assigned extra work! We were strongly encouraged and motivated to achieve 98% and above as we were told from the beginning of the course that this is the norm in the working world. They(the instructors) were upfront from the beginning that it would take lots of work (read: blood, sweat, and tears)to pass the course at the level expected. The plus side of Andrews is that they don't turn you loose until they are confident you can attain that high goal of accuracy. An 86% would have been absolutely unacceptable.
Both Andrews and M-Tec
are top-notch MT schools. Either one would be an excellent choice not only for MT skills but also for any required improvement in spelling and grammar skills that might be necessary.
Also . . . about Andrews
Have you spoken with Linda Andrews yet? Looking on their website, I see that the payment plan has an option with a lesser down-payment of $1000 with a monthly payment of $117, instead of the $98 it would be with the larger down-payment. There is no interest on that, I see, which would be a considerable benefit to you.
Also of importance is that this covers everything. Their students traditionally do not need to provide anything else for school--not one book, not one bit of software, nothing. And, when they go to work, they already have the references that most employers require.
The first question above asked about whether one school allowed you to retake sections until you got them right. This focuses on "failure mode." The thinking is that "this is so hard, nobody can succeed." It sets up the expectation that it is NORMAL for students to fail at transcription.
Students should not fail at transcription. The concept of having some students do well, others ok, and some fail is a concept dragged over from traditional education. Private MT schools are not public junior colleges. They do not need to follow that model.
Frankly, if I were thinking of putting down a fat down-payment on a course and the school thought that it was acceptable to have any students fail, I'd be a little worried. And I certainly wouldn't expect that I'd be the exception who did well, because a school which has students failing, or not doing well enough to be employable, seems to stack the deck against you.
It would seem better to me to simply select a school in which the students do not fail, instead achieving a high level of skill across the board.
Select a school where you KNOW your money won't be wasted, where the risk is almost nil. Select a school where students do not flounder around unassisted, failing and re-failing. Select a school where they achieve and are routinely offered new, extra material to improve their already high levels of achievement.
Medical transcription training does not need to be difficult, nor does it need to culminate in unemployability.
The best are M-TEC and Andrews
M-TEC has an abbreviated course for previous medical professionals. I don't know if Andrews does.
Andrews
I'm mentoring an MT right now who went to Andrews and she seems very knowledgeable.
Andrews
I graduated from Andrews in December of 2004. I was hired immediately after graduation and have been with the same company since. I work for a smaller MTSO, and she has been very happy with how well Andrews prepared me.
M-Tec or Andrews (sm)
M-Tec and Andrews are the only two schools that are approved by the AAMT right now. I am sure there are other good schools too, but these two have been around for awhile and are proven to produce job-ready MTs upon graduation.
www.mtecinc.com
www.andrewsschool.com
www.aamt.org
M-Tec vs. Andrews
I think I am going to end up going with either M-Tec or Andrews. Please help me decide! All opinions, comments, pros and cons of each are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
M-TEC, Inc. or Andrews are the very best...
Companies waive the 2-year experience requirement for their grads. Pick one of the very best. Your future success as an MT depends on it. 
So, you went through Andrews AND M-TEC after CS?
I'm really curious.
You sound just simply disgruntled over CS and have no real experience comparing the other schools to CS.
Andrews is the very best, IMO.
Look at Andrews or M-Tec
Andrews or M-Tec are simply the best programs out there.
Andrews or M-TEC are best. nm
nm
I think Andrews is the best, but everyone has their
M-TEC or Andrews
Truly, if you want to be prepared to work at home immediately upon graduation, M-Tec or Andrews is the only way to go. These 2 schools are worth every penny you will spend. Their education is top notch. I am a graduate of M-TEC but know several Andrews graduates. Please...don't skimp on your education. Speak with the directors at both M-TEC and Andrews before making a decision.
If you took M-TEC or Andrews there are
companies that will hire you without the experience, otherwise you'll have a very tough time getting an at-home job. I suggest you look for an in-house position locally and get your experience.
M-TEC or Andrews
It shouldn't even be a question anymore...
Ignore the rah-rah Career Step down there (unless you don't care whether you get a job or not).
The 2 best are M-Tec and Andrews. This
same question has been asked many times, so spend some time looking through past posts. Also read the posts about how difficult it is to get a job if you don't take one of the better courses, how low the pay is, etc.
Andrews vs. M-TEC
Hi! I'm not proud of my newbie question, but here goes. :)
I've been reading forums and researching medical transcription for about a year now. I understand Andrews and M-Tec are regarded as the best schools. I worry my reasons are partially superficial, but I feel drawn to M-TEC in particular.
I recently took their skills assessment and scored 100%. I've been seconds from enrolling a couple of times. My only concern is a general vibe that Andrews is #1. Is there a known reason for this vibe? Will my job prospects as an M-TEC grad closely mirror those of a comparable Andrews grad? Superficialities aside, my primary concern is marketability post-graduation.
Thanks in advance!
M-TEC or Andrews
Why don't you call both schools and see for yourself which one you like better?
Not Andrews or M-Tec
Thank you for the encouragement in not giving up.
The person that said she got a job so quickly said she attended Everett Community College.
My husband has suggested I write a letter to AHP, but I think anything I have to say will fall on deaf ears, and that will only make me more upset. The only thing I can say in their defense is that it seems to me that even Andrews and M-Tec make it sound like a getting a job is a piece of cake after you complete school. According to what I've seen on mtstars, it's not that easy. Granted, it's easier if you have gone to one of those schools but still not as easy as they ALL make it sound. While I attended AHP, I felt like I was learning a lot and getting a decent education, but then again, I don't have anything to compare it to. I do know that my education is not getting me anywhere now.
Andrews School
provides about the best MT training available. Even their training, however, is NOT equivalent to two years' experience. That is simply not a reasonable assumption. However, should you do the smart thing and select Andrews for your MT training and complete it successfully, you will come out FAR ahead of someone who chose one of the cheaper or less reputable MT schools. The reason companies waive the two-year experience requirement for Andrews graduates is not because they actually have two years of experience, it is because they know that they are getting a well-trainined newby who will require a minimum of handholding and someone who has been trained to deal with the realities of being an MT. You should have no qualms whatsoever about choosing Andrews. M-Tec is an equally good school that would offer you the same chance of early success. Many Career Step students have also found their transition to work to be relatively painless.
Yes, you can't go wrong with either M-TEC or Andrews.
x
Is Andrews a notch above? (SM)
It appears that if one wants to pursue an MT education, that it's either Andrews or M-Tec. I know there isn't a whole lot separating these 2 schools--the money difference is irrelevant to me--but something in the back of my mind tells me that Andrews offers just a little more. I have absolutely no concrete reason to think this, it just kind of seems that if you want the VERY best, it's Andrews; if you want REALLY GOOD, but not quite Andrews, then you go with M-Tec. Is this a faulty perception? Don't Andrews students actually transcribe more total hours than do M-Tec students?
If a person got their education at M-Tec, would they have the exact same advantage that Andrews graduates have as far as being positioned to get an opportunity to test for an at-home MT position?
Thanks.
Still Deciding: M-Tec v. Andrews
Thanks to everyone who replied below. I learned a lot. I'm seriously concerned about M-Tec & the 86% to graduate thing. I'm also worried because I feel like I may have uncovered a bit of deception on M-Tec's part. Their financial overview section states that they offer an interest-free payment plan option. However, when I calculate the cost of the payment plan described in the payment plan section, it costs $150 more to use the payment plan. Isn't that pretty much the same thing as interest?
You might be thinking well why doesn't this person just choose Andrews, but I also have concerns about Andrews. For one thing, their website hasn't changed in years, and it is not very user friendly. For another thing, they have a private board. In my previous MT training experience, when the students started complaining about how badly the program was going, our board was made private, so I am a little leery of any sort of secrecy. Another thing is I'm worried about fitting in with the Andrews culture. It is hard to explain, but there are things like the Irish pub that I realize are just to blow off steam and have fun, but I am a very serious person, and I'm not sure I could fit in. Especially since I already had a bad experience with MT training, I just want to get the work done with no extra nonsense.
If anyone has more insight or information, please help!
Andrews School
I am a current student at Andrews and I can tell you that there is a reason why this school is highly recommended, it is a great course. The boards are private because the students want it that way. There are not any students complaining about the program, because there is nothing to complain about. It is an exceptional program. The Andrews culture is very diverse. It is a positive, supportive, and extremely kind group of people. The program is well structured. The instructors are very professional. You are only required to participate in the instructional forums. If you do not wish to participate in the social forums you are not required to. If you are looking for a program with no extra nonsense this is it. I urge you to contact Linda Andrews, she is very easy to talk to and will answer your questions completely and honestly. I love attending the Andrews school and I am confident it is the best MT education available.
Check out Andrews and M-TEC if you want the best-nm
nm
The most "expensive" are M-TEC and Andrews
I didn't graduate either of these schools. I made 8 cpl within the first six months, and now at around two years, I make 16 cpl.
No, they are not necessarily the best schools. It depends on the individual and their needs.
They are the most "mentioned and expensive" in these circles, but I know of much better on the horizon!
Andrews is self-paced, but . . . (sm)
This is something you should ask the director of any school you consider attending. Check not only whether it is self-paced, but whether there are time limits and what happens if you exceed the time limit. Is there an additional fee? Do you have to pay all over again? Do you just fail?
Andrews is self-paced, but there is the expectation that the course can and should be completed in a certain time-frame. Linda Andrews can give you the details on the requirements. Just phone her.
It wouldn't do you much good if you worked on it only sporadically.
The key to completing a self-paced course lies in setting up a certain time every day for study. If you wait until you "find time," nothing will happen, but even 30 minutes daily will enable you to make progress. Even studying 20 minutes three times a week while in a hot bath will add an hour to your study time. Thirty minutes every morning will add 3-1/2 hours. Reviewing material on note cards while you walk on a treadmill or bicycle at the gym will add perhaps another 1-1/2 hours.
That's already 6 hours a week--if you focus and make the most of your study time, you can do a lot in 6 hours.
And that's not counting the time you have standing in line at the grocery or sitting waiting for the kids at dancing lessons or ball games. Andrews' materials are not tied to the internet, so you can tote them around easily and, other than the actual transcription, study away from the computer.
There is time available, but you have to identify it in advance, plan what you will study and prepare materials for it, and make an appointment with yourself for this just as if it were another job.
If something is worth doing for the benefit of your yourself and your family, then it's worth rearranging your and your family's schedule a bit to accommodate it. Perhaps you could study with the kids while they do their homework, making it a family activity.
Andrews School
Before I enroll I want to hear from people who have actually received employment from this school. I went to PCDI and actually worked for a year but I cannot get employment at all. I have been looking local and on the net. I liked the job I had but the work ran out and no one else will hire me. If anyone has anything good or bad I would like to hear it.
Andrews isn't accredited.
I'm looking into online MT courses, too, and thought Andrews looked promising. When I wrote for information, they were vague. It sent up a red flag when they said they "greatly appreciate" it when you pay for the tuition in full as opposed to making payments. I also felt uneasy about the contact person being Ms. Andrews. I felt like this was a woman's new business and not a true educational institution.
Just my two cents.
Andrews is one of the most respected
MT training schools. Linda Andrews is well known in the MT world and greatly respected and admired. Her school, along with M-Tec, has received AAMT approval for it's MT program. Andrews graduates are in demand by the major MT employers. You might want to do some more research before making defamatory statements.
And no, I have no association with Linda Andrews or her school except that I have hired three of her graduates at various times and have found them to be extremely well prepared for MT work. Because of the good experiences I have had with Andrew graduates, I would have no hesitation in hiring any other successful Andrews student.
Just my two cents. Do some more checking.
Andrews School
I am a student at Andrews, and I would be offended by your comments if I didn't know better. Have you ever called Linda? If you had you would not feel uneasy about her being the contact person. She is a lovely person, very easy to talk to, and she will answer any questions you have. You have choices with your payment plan. She never asked me to pay upfront, and Andrews doesn't charge interest on your student loan. Linda is a very involved with the students. She follows every student's progress. I think the only reason you would feel uneasy about Linda Andrews or Andrews School is because you haven't talked to her. In my opinion, Andrews is indeed promising, to say the least.
Andrews School
I have been a student at Andrews for 7 months. During that time, several people have graduated and have found employment within weeks of graduating. Some of those people were off QA in 4-5 weeks. I have never come across anyone that has anything negative to say about his or her experience with this school.
MTEC or Andrews, or....???
Hi everyone-
I have taken a class in MT at my community college and am getting ready to invest in an entire course to have MT as my career. The AAMT only approves MTEC and Andrews. Which of these is more highly recommended and why. The differences I seemed to notice were that MTEC included the footpedal and Andrews made no mention of it. On the other hand, Andrews said they teach the word expanders, etc... to help with quantity while MTEC made no mention of this. Do any of you have any other recommendations rather than these 2 courses? If I'm about to invest $4,000 I want to make sure it is in the program that will prepare me the best and make me the most marketable and ready for employment. Any suggestions would be very, very welcome :) Thank you very much for your time!
Amanda
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