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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

local or online school?

Posted By: Zuzi on 2007-10-05
In Reply to:

I live in Spokane, WA, and I'm considering studying MT
to become a transcriptionist. I am very much attracted to the idea of studying at home at my own pace. I am deciding
between 3 distance learning schools:

1. Andrews 2. M-Tec 3. Career Step

I have read that Andrews and M-Tec are very good (both
cost under $4,000) and that Career Step doesn't prepare one well for the MT profession (costs under $2,000).

After I spoke to a former student at the Spokane
Community College MT program she advised that she wouldn't spend more than $1,500 on the MT training and strongly recommended Spokane Community College.

Here's my dilemma:

The SCC program takes 4 quarters. If I signed up on January 3, 2008, I would be done at the end of 2008 - the program takes the whole calendar year.

The online options are self-paced, and because I only work part-time, I imagine I would be done a lot sooner, maybe in 6 months.

The former student at the SCC also explained that if I attend a local program = Spokane CC, I will have a much better chance of getting a job locally.

However, at this point in time I don't know if I will be staying in Spokane for the foreseeable future (it depends on my husband's job situation) and might be moving out of Spokane sometime at the second half of 2008.

I have a Master's degree in English. I'm mentioning this because I know a good portion of a MT program is language study.

Would you please give me advice on what to do? Take the Spokane Community College course or one of the expensive online options?

Thank you very much.


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If you want to work local, take local course. Otherwise, online is the way to go.
Most msjor national MT companies will not be familiar with what kind of training you get locally, but they are familiar with Andrews and M-Tec training, and will waive the 2-year experience requirement for grads of those schools. A local hospital or doctor's office would be more familiar with a local MT training program than they would with national online MT schools.

The "expensive" online options really aren't all that expensive in the long run when you realize what an excellent education you get, not to mention help finding a job afterwards.
online vs local job

Where I live the local votech school has a very high placement rate and if I wanted to work in house, I would start by taking their MT course. My local school's course is far from complete though, and there is no way a national company would hire me with just that course and no experience. 


I have no idea what the local employers would think about an online program.  We're kind of in the sticks and they really rely on the local tech school to pump out grads that can do the work the local companies need them to do.  Its practically tailored to the needs of the local economy.


I'm going with an online program because I want to be sure I can gain employment, and I want thorough training.


Not sure how much this helps.


financial aid for MT online school
I am currently pursuing a career in medical transcription. I have been searching the net for over six months for an online course. I have applied to Fafsa "Pell Grant" for many schools which offer the online transcription course. Unfortunately all of the courses are listerd under "continuing education" which apparently is not covered by federal funds.  At this time I am unable to pay for my education, but it is something I want badly. If anyone out there knows of any online MT schooling that can covered by financial aid, please let me know. Also, if anyone knows of any funding that is available for this course, that would help me tremedously.
Try a good online school -
I graduated from M-Tec in 2001, had numerous offers to test before my actual graduation, passed all the tests I took (I believe it was 4),and had a job before I even had my diploma in my hand. I have been happily employed at home doing acute care ever since! Check them out! :-)
online medical transcription school

Do you know of any legit online medical transcription school that I can consider ?  I really want to do this but seems like all of the schools out there cost an arm and a leg and can not afford to take out so much loan and be in such debt espcially it's not even paying much after I graduate.


Please help me if anyone know of a good, reasonable school I can apply to.  Thank you so much.


 


I Agree About a GOOD Online School
Unfortunately, a lot of companies look at where you went to school and not what you know.  Andrews and M-Tec are great schools and are popular, and a lot of companies want graduates from those 2 schools.  I went with EvCC and received a great education but no one wanted to give me a chance because the school's not well known.  Finally, 2 places did and they realized that I know my stuff and am a hard worker.  If you're going to spend the extra money, Andrews and M-Tec are both promising. 
How long have you been away? Might need a refresher course from a local college or business school.
s
Best way to start working immediately after grad is Andrews School or M-TEC online. nm
x
Don't forget your local papers and local Temp. Agency or Manpower office. nm
s
Why not try local MTSO's or local doctors' offices
That's how I started out when I first became an MT. I found a very small local MTSO who gave me a chance and now I work for a local company and have been there for two years. It might be worth it to take a look. I basically trained at the MTSO's office for about a month so there was no testing involved at all. Just learning along the way. Good luck whatever you decide.
Local hospitals
Have you checked with your local hospitals? There is one near me that will hire you with or without a formal training program behind you. They work one on one with you to train you. The pay is good too. It might be something for you to check out. You also might want to send resumes to local doctor offices.
I went to a local college here.. and now...
I started off with $19/h plus incentive. Now, I make $22/h plus incentive at a local hospital. Yes it can be done.
Local Clinics
Have you tried applying at local clinics or is there a small MTSO in your area? I got my first job as an IC by applying to all the Transcription companies in my area. Now I work as an employee for a Nephrology Clinic also local. Good luck.
How about seeing what's available thru your local college? Might be able to take
s
You may have to work in a local sm
service, maybe even at their office in order to get work with 6 months of experience.  If you do manage to find an online company to offer you work (that is not a scam), consider yourself extremely lucky.
best MT online course
CanScribe - they provide you with books and supplies, as well as programming and guarantee you a job at the end of it. Agencies know that a graduate of CanScribe is worth a chance.
check with local hospitals
I contacted a local hospital (SW Michigan) and was told that they hire MT students and graduates. But they also said that all you really need is physiology, medical terminology, anatomy and typing skills. Seeing how you have a strong medical background, you might want to check into something like that.
Was your local course a single class or
a curriculum? How long did the training take?
I'm deciding on whether or not to train locally here or online with Career Step.
The advice you've been given sounds really good. I hope it helps you! Hang in there! :)
Check with your local hospitals
Sometimes they offer training if you have the basics. There is a hospital in my area that will work with you for up to a year until they feel you are ready to be on your own. Definitely worth checking out.
Did you find the job in a local ad or on a web site? Thanks! nm
x
I replied to an ad in my local newspaper.

Work for Local Company
I work as an IC for a small local company at the moment.
Have you tried your local hospital or physicians?

I work for my local hospital and my supervisor hired "newbies" all the time.  However, some clinics or hospitals require you to do a little onsite time before going home, at least mine did.  I had to meet a certain productivity rate and QA rate before I was "turned loose". 


I'm not sure if you are wanting to work for a national company or not from home.  Since I have no experience with that someone else may be able to guide you in that direction.  I just know around here, having tons of experience isn't really needed to be hired locally. 


I went to my local Commuinty College
took all my courses online. Much less expensive than those "other schools" and the program I was in was more intensive than the others. I was hired by a national before I even graduated.
You can always try on-line local paper ads...sm
I see them all the time and not really looking for experience, but for schooling and skill in Word. Call hospitals and listen to their employment listings or even look them up on-line. There are tons of ways to find work, not just with the big companies. I once looked in my yellow pages and found a neighborhood MT needing help. I just called her and asked, and she said yes! Good luck!
Best bet is local college for MT training
Please do not waste your money on those "fast track" schools that promise you training in 6 months to a year. I did one, and then had to go to the local college to get my real training along with a 2-year mentoring program typing OPs. Money used to be good (I was making $90,000 to $100,000) but now I cannot even make enough money to cover expenses (call-in system, phone lines, office rent, reference books, AAMT membership, DSL, voice file equipment, C-phone equipment, transcribers for local clients, stationary, constant software upgrades and reference book upgrades, business license, etc. Get the picture? Oh yeah, the most expensive of all--the medical expenses from 16 surgeries from all my work injuries as a Transcriptionist with 4 more surgeries to go and all the doctors, prescriptions at $1400 a month with insurance, insurance premiums, electric, etc. The list goes on. I truly wish I could get out.
The "affilation" with the local hospital may or may not....sm
...hurt you for future employment with other companies. Make sure you check out whether this school is reputable with other employers. I do not think the price is too high, if you consider it as an investment toward future income. Good luck! :)

maybe a small local company
might be worth a try. My first job was with a company like that. I did not have an MT course or experience. It was relatively boring transcription (mostly insurance exams, worker's comp exams - tons of neck and back sprains) but it was a start. I trained in their office for a week or so and then they let me do it at home. After a year or so I worked for another small company and started doing clinic and hospital work. So if there are any small companies like that still around... check it out.
check with local offices

I agree with the above poster.  It may sound mean, and I don't mean it to sound that way, but a course through Penn Foster doesn't mean much to employers and doesn't even come close to the education offered by the top schools.  I would try to start local if you can, get some experience in, then check out some of the bigger companies if that is what you want. 


 


 


Why don't you search out something local on-site

Most companies will not let you use your "school" time as experience. 


I am no expert on the hiring processes, but new MTs need more attention which costs the company more money to pay QA.  It is sad, but all new MTs get lumped together it seems.


What suggestions does the school have for you at ths point?  Unfortunately, if you did not attend Career Step, M-Tec, or Andrews, you may have to work harder to find that first break in this field. 


MT is not what it used to be.  You'd have been better off to become a biller/coder and find a job at home.


my experience in online MT course

Hello everyone,


Just thought the information on my website will be helpful and/or interesting to anyone who is thinking of trying medical transcription cource.


it's here


http://www.volkovs.com/family/julia/default.aspx?p=mt


Considering that most colleges are going online
this advice doesn't hold water. It doesn't make any difference what format the program takes.
Can someone tell me what the online schools

Career Step, M-Tech, Andrews - I have a family member who is interested in getting her daughter directed on a career path (she's 18).  I'm not so sure MT is for her, but I'd like to at least give her some basic info.  So, how much do these programs cost and how long do they take? 


  Thanks!


I took their online test on 8/21 and just
heard back from them yesterday. The lady I talked to there told me that she is really behind on contacting people. When did you apply with them?
help for finding right online course
I have tried to get info on online courses and it is very hard, since i have no other MT friend to talk to.  I was told to take courses from Ashworth(formerly PCDI)  Does anyone know about this one?  Seems like everywhere i turn, Career Step is always the most talked about.  I realise they all have pros and cons but someone please help!!!  Want to do at home training online.  Had a year experience of part-time transcribing and did fine.  Barely told what to do, but completed it anyway.  I've had EXPERIENCE THE HARD WAY by doing this.  Thanks
online quizzes

It's important to keep studying and practicing right up until you land the job you studied and worked so hard for. Time away from your studies will nevertheless, leave some cobwebs in your mental attic.


I've started to assemble some online quizzes (free) so students can keep learning. It's so new in fact, I have one done.  lol  But I intend to put some more out there if the response is good. I need a beginner and one who will test this out with me and for me. It would be nice for the others if we can get this in the right direction.


visit: www.gotranscribe.com  and click on MT Learning Studio for instructions.


I'd appreciate it and so would some of the others if it works as I think it could.


Kim


AHDI online
I don't know if this would help or not. I think they would be your best bet at finding your answer 100%.
online testing
at focusinfomatics.com They have online testing specifically for new people, and if you do well enough they will invite you into their training program.
You can always order it online....
xx
MT Online Schools
I am looking for an online school for MT. Forgive my ignorance about this. I have no clue where to start.

Any suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks.
Online MT schools??

Hi.


I just signed up for Allied MT School.  Have any of you graduated from there, and did you like it?  Also, did you have any problem getting a job after graduating?  I am a bit discouraged with some of the negative reviews. 


Thank you.


 


Online Externship
I am a transcription student looking for an online company that offers an externship. I have to complete an externship in order to graduate, but need to do so online, and am having trouble finding an online company that would be willing to take me in. I have searched for transcription companies,but have not found any that advertise any externship opportunities. Are there any companies offering online externships?

Online Course suggestion
Hi,
Can you please suggest me online MT course which is not expensive.

Thanks & Regards

online test
Don't feel bad - I've done transcription for over 25 years, had a CMT for 15 of those years... took an online test with MRC (Medical Records Corporation).  I did the test, waited for two whole weeks... they never got back to me until I asked them what the hel_ was going on and they told me I failed the test - would someone explain that to me?  My audit score for the company that I am currently working for, is 97-98........
online tests
I also took the Medquist exam after they sent me an email requesting that I take it.  I felt very confident that I did well but was told I did not pass.  They said to take it again in three months, which is now.... and now I have no confidence at all to do it.
CS online training
Hey all you MTs. My wife started the classes with CS about a month and a half ago, and I will say we were really nervous about it at first also...The staff is really professional, and they have a very competitive rate for their schooling. WHat I WILL say is this:
Online schooling for any career choice is daunting. I went to Law school online, and it SINKS when you have a question to ask and nobody to ask in person. It is also very easy to ignore the schoolbooks and just watch tv or sleep in.
As with anything, its all about what you put into it. Career Step has gotten a lot of rave reviews from alumni, so I wouldnt worry about how good of a school it is. You should be more cautious about the MT employers out there lately!
I had to start out in the office of a local hospital sm

for a year, then went home.  I didn't want to go home to be honest, too many distractions and my twins were babies at the time, but they were sending everyone home.  I really don't know what to tell anyone when I see these posts.  There are lots of companies out there needing help and you'd think that if they are willing to send their work overseas to people that don't even speak English as a first language, then they would be willing to hire a new graduate.  I would be a little more pushy, offer to do 30 days at a lower cent per line then have a review, something like that.  Keep pushing, someone will see potential and take a chance on you.  Honestly, these companies that don't hire new graduates I just don't get it.  I work for a small local company that is always behind on their work and I always suggest they hire some new graduates from the two local schools, but they never do it, they just sit and wait for people to apply.  Good luck! 


Check into your local community college.
You will get an excellent MT education and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. What people say about the "Big 3" schools is a lot of hype. JMO
Our local hospital group has a few people in

radiology and pathology, but the rest has been outsourced for about 25 years.  Hospitals are looking to cut costs where they can.  There are still MTs who work for the hospital, just not in-house.  


If you need a job you do what you have to do.  If the US MTs don't take the jobs guess where they will go.   I make more working at home per line than what any hospital pays that I have seen.  I don't have insurance (because it is outragenously priced), but I do have some benefits.   Also working at home you have fewer expenses, so it pretty much equals out. 


 


local hospital versus national
Hi,
I was with a national company and, like you, only did about 1200 lines per day at 7.5 cpl with 18 months in. I felt like I was never going to make the big bucks!

In May, I resigned from the national co. and went to work locally. After a short 1-month in-house training, I am working from home again. This hospital has some great normals to use and yesterday, I did 2200 lines!!!!!

Finding a good fit is the hardest part. Thankfully, I think I have found mine!!!!! Just keep in mind that there are other options out there. GOOD LUCK!!!!
Local college is best way to go plus a great mentor!
Wow, $6,000? I spent a fortune on a lousy school too before I went to the local college. I worked for the lady on the advisory board who trained me with a fine-tooth comb. It was the hard but best way to go. Besides, I got to dissect cadavers! Good luck!