newbie trying to choose a reputable school

Hello all,

I am trying to decide between the MT schools approved by AHDI.  Does anyone have any experience with M-Tec, ExactMed, and Andrews?  Any suggestions..thanks for the advice!

• newbie trying to choose a reputable school - akh
  • Exact-Med - starstruck
  • M-TEC or Andrews - Amanda
  • schools - JoJo Lynn Cogbill
    • Schools - Jo Lynn Cogbill
  • I have never - Me
  • I don't have personal experience, but if you check through - me
    • re: reputable schools - akh
      • From an MA holder... - SM
      • Career Step - shawna

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Hi all!  I've been researching this profession and would really appreciate some input from 'those in the know'!

I need to be at home with my family (long story), but my children (all 3 of 'em) are getting older and I'm in need of some 'mental stimulation'!  I would like to find something that will hold my interest, keep my thinking, and requires constant learning (I like that!).  I saw an article in our local paper a few months back about med trans, and it really sparked my interest!  I had no idea about this profession before, but it seems like it could be my cup-o-tea. 

I'm an accounting clerk by profession (if that makes any difference), so that would probably come in handy if I become an IC.  Also, I've had a great deal of training with voice recognition (Dragon Speak), which I think could be of an advantage to me as I have an idea of how these program behave (and misbehave!).  Also, since I was a child, my preferred reading has been medical books (....weird kid!).

I'd probably prefer something part time, and I'm not in it for 'the big bucks'!  My husband has a great job and that has allowed me to stay home, but I would find it fulfilling to make some kind of financial contribution to my family. 

To make a long story long.....I'm looking at a Canadian online school called CanScribe  (I'm Canadian, by the way!).  They seem to be very legit, with a good reputation and are recognized by the AAMT.  They are kind of expensive, but it seems to me that the good ones are!  I'll be receiving a 'settlement' soon, and I think investing in my education is always a good bet!  However, I don't want to be foolish with my investment, and would like some input, like I said, from 'those in the know'!

Good day to you all, and thanks so much!!  Margaret

  I am new to this and looking for direction.

Thanks!

This is a complete career change for me.  I was a mortgage broker for ten years, had three years of typesetting experience for a newspaper when I was young and decided it would be a good idea.  Why this course - just because you had one bad experience doesn't mean the course isn't a decent course.  Maybe the person was one that skimmed by on the seat of thier pants?  Who knows? I've found a couple of people already that took the same course and have jobs.   So I believe a lot of it has to do with your resume, wherr you post it, and what you did before school.  I managed a mortgage brokerage firm and worked my way from the bottom to the top.  I think I am capable of doing this.  - if i can't find a job I'll just kill myself - NOT.  But I can tell you this I have more constructive things to do with my life then to go around bashing other people and their choices.

I too have been an MT for almost 20 years.  These MTs schools will train you to become an excellent MT and they will be glad to take your money too.  Then you are a highly trained and skilled MT.  If there are no jobs, what do you do with it?  It's useless.

Because of EMR and all the outsourcing that has increased since January 1 - you have old MTs with 10, 15, 20 years of experience out job searching again because they have so many years in and  they do not want to change professions before retirement.  It is so competitive that MTs with 2, 3, 5 years experience will not be able to move in their jobs.  A brand new MT is not going to stand a chance.  Don't waste your time and money.

Hello,

My name is Diana and I am a new MT, I just graduated from Texas Womens University and PIE with Gatlin Education and I have to find work soon. I have applied to many places but I do not have enough experience, but how can I gain experience when no one will give me a chance? I need any advice I can get. Please help me find work and ANY advice would be beneficial to me. Thank you so much.

Diana Strand

starting at $10.90/hr, 800 lines per day, incentive pay and good benefits. Is this a good offer for in-house transcription job.

Thanks in advance.

I am a newbie to MT, not the medical field.  I have been in this field for 17yrs.  I am taking a course from A-Z Transcription, and I really feel like I am getting a quaility education.  You will find there are rude people in every line of work, and like the previous person said, most are perfectionist.  I am not, nor do i plan to be and  I think the seasoned MT's need to pipe down and help the newbies out and not be so critical, becuase everyone of them were "newbies" at one time.

Just take a lot of what people say with a grain of salt, and do some research on your own, because frankly you will find better info,then getting it from someone else, and avoide being critisized for asking questions, and don't forget why you choose this field.  For me, it is to be home with my children.  I want to make this job a fun and rewarding one, otherwise I would stay in the rat-race of working in the hospital.  Good luck, and if you ever need someone to talk to email me, as I am learning as I'm going too.

Is At-Home Professions not a good idea? I am looking into to thier course as we speak, and it seems o.k. I checked them out with the BBB. The payment plan I guess is what has me very interested in them, the other training courses do not have that. Please let me know if there is something I need to know before I enroll.

Thanks

I got a job!  I wanted to let everyone know to not give up and keep moving forward in your search for a job.   I just bombarded them with resumes.   Most of the companies that I sent resumes sent me back a link that allowed me to test.  

Here is a great word of advice (from an experienced MT on the boards) - start with the companies that are at the bottom of your list.   You need to save the ones that are at the top of your list and that you would really like to be hired by.  This way you will gain some experience at the testing process and be more comfortable by the time that you get to the ones that you like.  I am a nurse and actually didn't do well on the first few tests that I took.  I did okay, but I think I was so nervous and wanted to pass so bad that I messed up.   After the first couple of ones, I settled down and passed!   The person who hired me said I aced the test. 

It does take time to hear back from each of the national companies.  Also, check your local paper.  I actually found a few positions available in my hometown that allows you to work from home.   Networking is also important.  As I was out and talking to people, I would mention what I was doing.  I had several leads to doctor’s offices that way.

Also, I know that there are constantly questions about what schools are the best, etc.  I signed up with the VLC.  Most of the things that I have faced in the testing process were areas that the VLC provided training.  Be sure to review your materials while you are waiting and as you are sending resumes, etc.  Also, have your entire collection of reference materials close by and the internet available in case you need to look something up quickly.  A lot of the tests are open book.

I wish you much success in your future endeavors.  Good luck and remember to breathe!  Michele