choosing between the 3
Posted By: 2busy2much on 2007-12-31
In Reply to: How to compare MT training classes? I have 3 in mind...SM - Confused
Hello. I am currently enrolled at MTec and I can tell you that I researched this decision a loooong time b/f I jumped in. Personally, I would only consider MTec or Andrews b/c if you plan to work out of your home they prepare you best to be an independent MT. Many CS girls have even stated that they felt unprepared in the real world.
Also, I chose MTec over Andrews b/c of their technology support. They have a technology instructor, technology classes, and technology support which I think is vital for the future of MTs.
The good news is that you can't go wrong if you choose MTec or Andrews. I would encourage you to contact the Susan Francis at MTec or Linda Andrews with any and all questions. They were very helpful and informative for me. Good luck!
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I'm on the verge of choosing between
Career Step online or taking an MT certificate program at my local community college (4-5 semesters in length, and twice the cost) Right now, CS seems the better choice b/c of flexibility; learning/.studying at hours that are convenient for me, etc. I just want to be sure that local dr. offices will hire me with an online certificate instead of a local one.
Good luck to you in your decisions! I think an MT career will be a very positive one after speaking directly with MTs who are in the field right now in my city, prospective employers in my area, and other MTs around the country. I think if we are committed to working hard, it will be successful!
Choosing a school
Before choosing a school, you should definately do your homework. I can tell you what my experience was and maybe it will help you out a little.
I decided to go to the local Community College in my city. I weighed my options heavily against the "Big 3" schools that are offered online and found that the program that my CC offered was very similar in nature but the cost was quite a bit less. All of the classes I took were offered online except one. I could have opted to have gone to campus and taken the classes, but I chose to do it from home. I still had the use of all the on-campus facilities and was able to go to campus and speak to my instructors if I needed to get advice or if I had questions or problems. That hands-on aspect was one of the things I really did like about it. I did have to take one class on campus, but now I am certified in infant, child, and adult CPR, first aid, and the use of an AED as well as being a Notary Public. That is a plus sometimes when looking for an in-house position.
I am not sure about the proper number of practice transcription hours you should get. I can tell you that my program had 4 levels of transcription courses. Pretranscription, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. The program followed AAMT guidelines and utilized the SUM program as well. The dictations were live dictations. That is very important. You do not want "actors" who are just reading copy. You want real, live dictation to practice from so you can get a real feel for what you are going to be dealing with. I also had experience with ESL docs. I would say I transcribed close to 700 reports by the end of my program.
I also had billing and coding classes integrated into my MT program. Now, if I choose, (which I probably will do in a few months), I can go back to school and take 3 more classes and be a certified billing and coding specialist as well.
I was hired right out of school to work from home for a national transcription company. Choosing a good school is important. Good luck to you!
Choosing a school
If you want to work at home, I would suggest that you look into Andrews School or M-TEC. If you do search on the forums, these are the most recommended and reputable with graduates having little, if any, trouble finding a job at home on graduation.
I don't know what the successful employment rate of Allied graduates is.
Good Luck, and be sure to do a lot of research before deciding if this field is right for you.
Help Choosing a school
I am a stay at home mom, and I am wanting to do a online course for medical transcription. I just don't know which distance learning school would be the best one to choose. Any advice?
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!
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