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You can't beat Andrews or MTEC for an education. NM

Posted By: Endiqua on 2005-08-17
In Reply to: Brighton College - csheep123

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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


Andrews/MTEC

You cannot go wrong enrolling in either school. Toss a coin; both will give you an excellent education. Let it be your decision.


Lilly


CS/MTEC/Andrews
I have recently been scouring the boards and researching for information on which school to choose and see that it basically comes down to the "big 3". I have noticed that there is a lot of disdain for CareerStep from a lot of people and how there is such an "allegiance" to either MTEC or Andrews.
My inquiry is basically this: Are there any new or recent Andrews or MTEC grads that are having an easier time finding jobs than the CareerStep grads? I understand that Andrews and MTEC seem to be the better schools, but in the end it really comes down to finding that job.
Through all the posts I've read, I haven't really been able to find more information than "choose Andrews/MTEC!" but I haven't really heard anyone say they've had better luck with finding a job by choosing one of these two.
You want Andrews or MTEC, PERIOD.
Career Step is full of errors, and they insist finding them is part of the training! No instructors, either. The other 2 schools include everything you'll need on the job, including ALL the reference books.
Choosing between MTec or Andrews
I would encourage you to call and speak or email both of the directors with a list of questions. That's what I did and I was able to speak with the directors from each school. Although I felt both schools were top notch and would prepare me well, I chose M-Tec b/c along with excellent training, they offer technical classes and support geared for the MT. The tech instructor is a genius and very helpful too. Just my 2 cents!
You got a job, but still have less of an education than if at M-TEC or Andrews.
I know because I also graduated from CS. I have seen the materials that M-Tec and Andrews use for teaching, a lot different (and better) than the homemade books written by Andrea Anaya from CS. No "automatic grader/comparter" either
You can't miss with Andrews, MTEC, or Careerstep. NM
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MTEC, Career Step, Andrews, SETT
nm
Career Steps, Andrews, MTEC, SETT
nm
Ready to sign up MTEC/Andrews - Confused

I have taken the pre-enrollment test for both Andrews and MTEC and I am really torn between which school to go through.  They both look like excellent schools, especially after reading all the posts from the graduates out there. 


I know that MTEC's Tier 1 Premier program is about $400 or $500 less than Andrews, which is a plus, but I want to make sure I'm making the right choice. 


As of last week I was ready to sign up at Andrews, but for some reason I am leaning towards MTEC.  I have done transcription in the past, but I am definitely needing to start over because that was a long time ago. 


Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.


If it's Andrews, MTEC, or Career Step, you've got a shot. SM
It might be worth applying just to try out the various tests, and you never know what might happen.
Andrews, MTEC, and CareerStep produce graduates that are regularly hired. NM
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Spheris hires from MTEC, Career Step, Andrews, SETT
nm
Spheris hires graduates only from MTEC, Career Step, Andrews
nm
Don't beat yourself up over this just yet!
If you went to one of the main AAMT approved schools and (as you said) have been working and have been learning from that process, you may already be in a situation were you are picking up many of the things you feel you may not have got from your training program. MT is a continual learning process anyway. As a new MT, there is always a learning curve as you have to stop and look things up a lot. We all did that and still have to stop every so often.

Not only that, please keep in mind that different companies and every clients have their own set of rules and specs to guide you that you'll be expected to follow. Most do follow the BOS, but there are some exceptions at times. Those are things that going through another school isn't necessarily going to help you with because it would vary between companies and clients.

I suggest you try to figure out what you feel your weaknesses are first and work on those.

Good luck and God Bless you.


I did not beat anyone down. sm
I was giving advice to the original poster, and I was giving examples.

Just giving my opinion and because you think I'm a meanie does not make it true.

I did not jump on a bandwagon either. I have never felt that teaching yourself MT is be a good idea. Just because a lot of people happen to agree with my way of thinking doesn't mean they are on a bandwagon. It means a lot of people here know the truth. I just hope people don't waste their time trying to learn MT and then find out they cannot find a job.

I hope the OP takes the advice that is more accurate than just what they want to hear or what 1 or 2 people were able to do years ago.

No anger issues here, just hard facts.


I'm with MTEC
I took a home study about 13 years ago and I am currently studying through MTEC. It's like night and day. MTEC is VERY thorough and helpful and SO professional. I absolutely love it so far. I have a great instructor, and everybody on the message forum loves this school too. You might want to go on their website and check it out. ~Yes, it does cost more, but I'm on the payment plan and it will definitely be worth the extra money at the end when you get a good job because of what school you went to.

MTEC
I went to MTEC and did it through student loans that were easy and quick to pay off once I was working.  I worked immediately and they have tons (and I means tons... as in over 10 pages) of people that they work with that hire new students that go to MTEC and graduate.  I had been around this industry for a long time in other ways so I finished really quickly, but the teachers are top notch.  I am still in touch from time to time with the director and she is fabulous.  Its expensive I guess but in the long run, I would never have chosen differently.  The school is the greatest and it was and still is a huge benefit to me when applying for work.  I would highly suggest it.. you definitely get far far more than you ever thought possible and than it costs to go there!  If you want more information, please email me about them, but I would do it without hesitation.  MTEC rocks.  I graduated 4 years ago and I have been an MT, a QA person and a supervisor of a major hospital account since then. 
I'm at MTEC
I am currently an MTEC student and absolutely love it. It is a fantastic program and very thorough. People know the name and companies will hire grads from MTEC because they know the training is great. I'm halfway through the program and I feel like I could test with any company now and pass, whereas before I had some training, but it wasn't "good" training. I love MTEC. Just remember....you get what you pay for.
Job Placement w/Mtec
Hi Everyone!

I am considering taking the Tier 1 M-Tec course but would like to hear about their job placement rate before I sign up. Is it all that it claims to be? Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!
Dale
MTEC graduate
I graduated from MTEC in April of this year. I received an extensive list of companies willing to test me as a new grad. Upon testing with my chosen companies, I received multiple job offers. I was able to go to work for my 1st choice company. I am a bit of a skeptic too, especially when it comes to investing hard-earned money, but you can't go wrong with MTEC. Call and speak with Kathy or Susan. They will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. I wish you well with your decision.
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?
MTEC - Because for what it's worth
I had 4 job offers within 2 weeks of graduating.  Four years later, I'm still at the company I went to work for right out of school.
Just signed up for MTEC
Hi Edda,

I have been doing research over the last month or so for both Andrews and MTEC. They both seem like very good schools and it was a hard decision. I ended up going on the message forum on the MTEC website and there is nothing but positive things there. It was a few hundred dollars less too, which helped make my choice. I signed up for Tier I premier and I'm just waiting to receive my box of materials. ~ Hope you find the school that is the right fit for you.
Did chiropractic....now at MTEC
I did chiropractic transcription for about 5 years, as well as 4 years of psychiatry before that and I was having a tough time finding anything out there since I was so limited in those 2 areas, so I just sign up for MTEC this past weekend.  There is so much positive feedback from other students there and it sounds like the graduates from MTEC are trained so well that they don't have too much trouble finding a company that will hire them.  ~  I'm happy I signed up.  I took a local home study in 1995, but I felt I needed better training, so that's why I'm going back.  ~  Good luck in making your decision.
MTEC Grads

I just finished my coursework at M-TEC.  I can't wait for my test to be graded...and I'm itching to find a job.  Before my test, I was 95%.  I'm wondering if anyone knows what companies routinly hire from M-Tec so I can go looking now and not have to wait till I am able to access the COC on M-TEC's website?


 


 


MTEC Question

Can anyone tell me how their MT program works, ie: do you follow a syllabus at your own pace, attend classes on the web, etc? If there are classes on the web, how often are they and how long do they last? Do you have to attend them on a certain day or can you watch them at your convenience? Thank you in advance.


to Mtec veteran
Why does the school still seem to make it appear like this is a viable career. The Mtec forum are always having people happy with their MT career and everyone on the site is touting that Mtec was the best decision they ever made.The current students seem so gung ho about their new MT career. Please enlignten. It's hard for a new MT to figure out what is really going on with this field.
How long did it take you to finish MTEC?nm
nm
AHDI has heard of MTec
The AHDI has definitely heard of MTec--they're on their list of approved schools. The list is on the AHDI website.

Most national services have heard of MTec, too. If you asked a small, local company, they might not have, but many, many other companies will have heard of them, since they tend to hire a lot of MTec and Andrews grads.
Career Step vs. MTec
I have been researching MT schools. I've narrowed it down to two: Career Step & MTec. Which one should I choose?

Thanks
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.


Is Career Step Cheaper Than Mtec?
I can't find how much courses are on their website. Does anyone know how much tuition is at Career Step?
Career Step is cheaper than Mtec I think

And aren't they both considered "Big 3"?


Supposedly Career Step can be done in 3 months if you really go at it full time. That seems awfully fast to me though.


MTEC does offer financial assistance.
While MTEC is expensive it is also one of the top 2 MT schools out there. You get what you pay for. Also, they do accept financial aid. Check out their site, they have a person on staff that handles situations just like yours!

(Oh yea, I am a student at MTEC!)
With an M-Tec education,
you will have no trouble getting a job and KEEPING the job once you get it. With AHP, you will struggle to find anyone willing even to let you test for a job, and it is unlikely that you will be able to pass even an employment test let along succeed at any MT job. Get your money back from AHP and spend it on M-Tec. Choosing a school just because it is cheap is a poor decision. Choose a school that provides a QUALITY education that will get you a job. M-Tec will do that. A cheap "education" is a waste of your money. You will quickly make up any difference in the cost between AHP and M-Tec by being able to get a job right away. All the months and months and months you will search for a job with an AHP education is money you would have been making with an M-Tec education. Go for cheap and you will pay for it for a long time.
MT education
I've had four people approach me in the past few months wanting to get into MT to work at home.  One went so far as to take an employment test and couldn't understand why she didn't pass.  When I told them it was really necessary to get some schooling, i.e. Andrews, etc., not one of them pursued it.   There are a lot of people out there that think this job is a piece of cake.
You really need some education in
and punctuation. General English rules. The terminology is one thing, but you also have to know how to accurately transcribe the document. You also should have HIPPA training, pharmacology and other things. This is just my opinion. You may be able to get hired somewhere with what experience you have, but I think you would be very frustrated. Especially if you have never actually listened and tried to transcribe dictated reports. Doctors can be very hard to understand and a good school will have live dictation for you to practice with to get some experience before getting out there and trying to do it for real.
Education

Does anyone have any information whether good or bad on Gatlin Education Programs.  I am thinking of registering for their online MT courses and want to make sure it is a good decision.  I appreciate any information.


Thanks


Education
I am a recent graduate of a 2 year college. I received my Associate Degree in Medical Transcription (Health Science) and did an externship within my schooling. I am so fearful of not finding a career now that I am out here sending resumes. I keep seeing the "need 2+ experience" listed for qualifications. I just spent over $30,000 and a huge amount of time in being sure that I was getting the top grades. The idea of going back to school really breaks me. I am so eager, passionate, and willing to work hard.

While I understand that as a newbie I will not be paid as high of a rate as the seasoned MTs, I would not work for this low of a wage. My education and knowledge stands for something. I know in dollar amount, it is costing me way more than 3 cents a line.

If anyone has any suggestions, other than go back to school, I am more than willing to listen. It is not that I oppose more education, because that is actually the quite opposite. Medicine will continue to evolve and we will all need to stay current through education.


Continuing Education?
I have been working as an MT for a few months now and received my education through a local technical school that only provided the basics.  I work on very easy accounts with no ESLs.  I am concerned about not having the proper knowledge and skills should I have to change companies in the future.  I have been looking into further education through M-Tec and Career Step.  I am noticing a significant price difference in the tuition for both schools.  Is one better than the other? Or is graduating from Career Step just as good as M-tec.  Another question I have from anybody who has graduated from these schools is how many hours approximately do you need to put in to graduate within the allotted time?  Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! 
continuing education
I have a question and need some advice:  I took one of those cheesy 5-month courses for little money and was basically blessed to get a job with a local company.  I have been working for 6 months now and LOVE my job.  Although, I do not feel as though I have enough education to be the best MT I can possibly be.  I also feel limited in my work as I was put into one particular field and I am fearful that if I ever should switch companies I would not be able to pass their tests.  I am considering going to Career Step or Andrews School.  I want to do this while working full time.  Are these schools self-paced or do you have to put in a certain amount of time during each week?  Any information from graduates of these schools or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Do you have any education MT-wise? . . .
It you have some MT schooling, you have a better chance.  However, if you simply think you can work as an MT because you type well, that's a different story.  There is so much more to medical transcription than just typing (transcribing).  You need to know medical terminology, formating and more. 
I started my education
at a community college and finished at PCDI, and the materials were identical, so I can't say either way is better, but the best help I got was once I started working, and the training on the job.  I think PCDI teaches the basics, and if I were you, I'd shoot for an in-house position to start with to have some help.  All of PCDI's tapes were incomparable to what you really get.  If I had a doctor speaking like that, I'd be making millions :)  Good luck!
Good education
I did have a good education! Did you? Andrews M-tech whatever..there are other schools out there that can provide good, solid training and I believe I received that! I wish you would stop judging, you have no idea what I can do! Check out the board a little more, there are some happy people out there .
The difference in education might

Have you compared how many hours of transcription training you had in college/school with Andrews and M-TEC?  Were your instructors CMTs with many years of experience?  Did your curriculum include anatomy, diseases, pharmacology?  I assume it included medical terminology.  Maybe if people were to compare the curriculums (or if you prefer, curricula) they would understand why M-Tec and Andrews have such a good reputation.  When you graduate from those top two schools, you are very well prepared to work, and that is what many companies have come to realize.


Right now is a difficult time to find employment because many companies are running low on work due to the holidays.  Have you inquired about internships locally?  Doesn't your college/school offer any help with finding a job?


Was your goal always to be an MT? If so, why obtain an associate degree?  If you have come to realize that you want to be an MT, then maybe you would be better off investing into Andrews or M-TEC.


Have you passed any tests/all tests?  Many companies have a direct link on their websites for the testing.  I would assume if you aced a test they would be willing to talk to you.  How many resumes have you sent out?  I believe it will be harder for you to get your foot in the door somewhere, but if you really want this, you will find a way.


Good luck!


 


Wrong, you CAN get a job with education.
You CAN get a job with just an MT education, if the education prepared you well enough. I know slews of MTs who did this. Certification in MT isn't necessary, either.

You CAN get a job with just coding education, but certifications help. I did it. I know someone who just a few months ago got a really nice inpatient coding job with no experience at all. She completed school, got 2 certifications, and was hired after testing successfully with a hospital.

In fact, I work with about 15 coders who got their jobs straight out of school with no experience.

If you are well-prepared and are able to present yourself appropriately, you CAN get a job straight out of school.
MT Education and Training

I am in the process of attending Allied Business Schools and have found that their programs are challenging, but yet easy enough that somebody who has no clue about medicine can do them.


http://www.alliedschools.com


BTW---I earn nothing from this, just giving what I have experienced.


Anne


 


No, not really. Experience in the field - but not just more education.
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I think PIE stands for Partner in Education SM
Medquist used to have a program with several MT training programs listed as their Partners in Education (PIE). They would hire people who graduated from the MT programs on their list without requiring work experience (they still had to pass the test). I'm not sure if they still have this program or not.
They're not recommended for MT education. Go elsewhere. nm
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