5 registered
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#4456 - 11/18/02 09:07 PM
advice on VLC
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lindkaye
Junior Member
Registered: 10/02/02
Posts: 1
Loc: Kent, Washington
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Does anyone here have advice on the VLC Mime online class? They are listed as Medquist PIE - but so is M-Tec. Any insight on making this decision is greatly appreciated! 
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#4457 - 11/19/02 03:13 PM
Re: advice on VLC
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carolT
Member
Registered: 07/06/99
Posts: 1638
Loc: Canada
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use the "search" link under "post reply" at the upper right to search this forum for posts on VLC (try Virtual Learning Center). There was quite a lengthy discussion a while ago. HTH
carolT
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#4458 - 11/22/02 08:14 AM
Re: advice on VLC
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi,
I'm a recent VLC grad, and I loved the course! It was very comprehensive, our instructor was great, and I believe it prepared me well for a career as an MT. I was offered a job about a week before I graduated...and I have noticed that many VLC grads are now getting jobs immediately with national companies like Medquist and HealthScribe, as well as with smaller local services.
I wish you luck in your decision...
Anne
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#4459 - 12/01/02 11:33 AM
Re: advice on VLC
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nancyp
Junior Member
Registered: 11/19/02
Posts: 22
Loc: Austin, TX
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Hi, I'm considering taking the online course from VLC. I can't find the thread that is referenced here in a prior note. Can someone help me find the old thread about VLC? I know Andrews and M-Tec are the premiere schools, but they are too costly for my budget. Is the VLC course going to prepare me for real-world transcription from home? I don't want to waste my time and money. Thanks
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#4460 - 12/01/02 03:48 PM
Re: advice on VLC
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straws
Member
Registered: 12/15/00
Posts: 2809
Loc: in limbo
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NancyP, There is not a lot known about VLC. I don't think they've proven themselves to be one of the top schools. What you need to consider is your long-term goal? Are you willing to work in an office or hospital after completing the course? If you insist on working at home, the better schools will open up more doors for you and are proven to prepare you well. If you cannot afford the more expensive course, are you going to be able afford to BE an MT? There are extensive expenses that most new MTs overlook. Can you afford to be out of work for several months if VLC turns out to not be a solid course? Bottom line...You are investing in your future as an MT. The final choice of schools is yours. Invest wisely!
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#4461 - 12/01/02 03:48 PM
Re: advice on VLC
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carolT
Member
Registered: 07/06/99
Posts: 1638
Loc: Canada
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My bad! -- my apologies! Apparently the thread about VLC has been deleted in the periodic housecleaning that has to happen from time to time. The thread did not turn up in the archives either. Here's hoping some of their students/grads will take the time to come back and post again about the training they received. Most of the input was positive by the way. There is one post from a VLC student/grad in this thread -- perhaps you might Email her to ask for more information -- http://www.mtchat.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001909
You might also post in the Main Forum to get your question before more people.
sorry about the confusion  carolT
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#4462 - 12/01/02 06:18 PM
Re: advice on VLC
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nancyp
Junior Member
Registered: 11/19/02
Posts: 22
Loc: Austin, TX
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Hi, Thanks Straws for the advice. I'm fortunate in that my husband has a very good career. I don't need to work, I just want to contribute financially, now that I have some time. I used to have a corporate career prior to kids. I have been a SAHM for 6 years. Both kids are in school now, so I have a few hours each day to devote to this career. I had taken PCDI and graduated 4 years ago (I now know that their course is not very complete or current). I never had the chance to use my PCDI degree because I had a second baby and didn't have the time to pursue it. I'm sure no one will employ me at this point with my lack of experience, so I'm trying to figure out which course will give me the preparation I need at a reasonable cost. I just checked out the VLC website and their materials seem to be very complete and up-to-date, and they are partnered with Medquist. You are given the opportunity to test with Medquist upon successful completion of their course. I read that Medquist will even reimburse your tuition at VLC (up to $5K) if you qualify after you're employed. VLC has been around only 5 years, and that's the only thing that concerns me. That's why I'm interested in hearing from any current MTs who graduated from VLC. I also like the fact I can take the entire VLC course online and it doesn't seem to be as long a course as Andrews. The amount of dictation hours are substantial and I think that is very important. I'm open to working within an office or hospital first, but only part-time. The end goal is to do MT out of my home because I still have two small kids to attend to after school. If anybody else has information about their experience with VLC, good or bad, I would appreciate hearing about it. Thanks again
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#4463 - 12/01/02 09:05 PM
Re: advice on VLC
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi -
I'm another recent grad of VLC and was thrilled with the course. There are quite comprehensive modules on body systems and medical terminology and a ton of practice dictation. There are several courses, but the one that I took included MT & Terminology - An Integrated Approach, Medquist tapes, and both the SUM Beginning and Advanced tape series. That is quite a lot of practice dictation - with the SUM tapes generally considered some of the very best available.
Within a week of completing the course I had job offers from 2 national companies whose tests I had no problem passing with ease.
I have personally kept in touch with several VLC grads, all of whom are currently working for national companies and doing well.
With the MT forums so full of horror stories about recent grads from MT programs unable to find work, I think the fact that so many VLC grads are being allowed to test, and are able to pass the tests, for the large national companies speaks volumes about the quality of their program.
Good luck in making your decision.
Meg
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#4464 - 12/02/02 05:26 AM
Re: advice on VLC
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mnmt
Junior Member
Registered: 11/03/02
Posts: 8
Loc: Minnesota
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Hi there! I'm another VLC grad and would be happy to answer any questions I could . I took the Professional Edition and was offered a job only days after graduating. In fact, just completed my first week as a full-time MT and made it out alive (LOL)! Holly
theefarm@uslink.net
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#4465 - 12/02/02 06:46 AM
Re: advice on VLC
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BizzeeMT
Member
Registered: 07/23/01
Posts: 1205
Loc: Midwest
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Although I am not very familiar with VLC, I just visited their web site and my only concern is that they offer 3 different levels of courses. Looking at each one, I don't believe I would settle for less than the Professional level and in fact, would be more inclined to recommend the Comprehensive course instead. For the price of the comprehensive course, Andrews or M-Tec may be better in comparison. I'd want to know more information about the MedQuist dictation tapes - whether they were authentic doctor dictation or staged tapes. But I definitely would not want to take anything less than the Professional version!
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#4466 - 12/02/02 08:58 PM
Re: advice on VLC
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi,
In response to the question about the Medquist tapes, they are definitely authentic physician dictation. In fact, they are much more difficult than the SUM Advanced Tapes! Those tapes were the most difficult part of the course for me...I did not enjoy them, but am glad that I had the experience with them. They are especially good for learning patience and techniques to deal with ESL docs, distracting background noise, and more!
Unfortunately, I can't give advice about which VLC course to take. I took the Professional Course, and had no problem finding employment after completing the course...however, I believe they have changed the course offerings since I first began.
Please feel free to email me if you have any other questions...
Anne
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#4467 - 12/03/02 12:25 PM
Re: advice on VLC
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nancyp
Junior Member
Registered: 11/19/02
Posts: 22
Loc: Austin, TX
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Thanks everyone, I feel confident the Professional level of the VLC is what I need. With my hubby's blessing, I started the course yesterday. So far, I like it very much. It allows me to work at my own speed, tests are immediately graded, questions immediately answered (Carole, the instructor must have a laptop attached to her) and best of all, no paper textbooks to deal with!!!! It's the right choice for me. I appreciate all you former VLC grads giving me your feedback, it helped ease my mind greatly. Continued success to all of you!
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