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#4644 - 01/30/03 10:16 PM
Who National Companies Want
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Lindy2003
Junior Member
Registered: 01/23/03
Posts: 18
Loc: Muncie, IN
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As I am home tending to a flu-infested family, I have had time to read the archives as suggested in the VLC post/replies. I have been interested in Career Step and VLC. Today I decided to ask the national companies listed on this site to name their top three picks of online schools, and if they actually prefer online training over community college certificates. First of all, about 1/3 of the addresses are no longer valid. I will try to get current ones and share them with the webmaster. A few who did reply had helpful things to say. Here is the most specific reply: "Three online schools that I would deem excellent are Career Step, the Andrews School, and M-Tec. Some community colleges offer an excellent MT training program. If a com. college is being considered, it is really important to make sure the program offered is very comprehensive and well-rounded. Courses should include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, English, med. term.,actual physician dictation in all specialties including foreign accents and Windows 98 and Word as a minimum. I do not rule out those MTs with com. college experience (I am one of them!)when considering MTs for testing for entry-level positions;however, it is asked that they send a copy of their course content to me when applying, as well as their final test scores. I am very familiar with what those national transcription companies listed above offer in terms of training, so I have no qualms referring those folks to the testing site . . . ."
I also need to call the ones who did not list web addresses. I just thought someone else might find this interesting. By the way, in searching the archives here, I haven't found anything seriously negative concerning VLC or Career Step. They seem to fall in the middle to high range of respectability, just under Andrews. Any comments?
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#4645 - 01/30/03 11:35 PM
Re: Who National Companies Want
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smilingjag
Member
Registered: 12/15/02
Posts: 49
Loc: MS
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Hi Lindy, I haven't seen anything negative on Career Step anywhere. I am a current M-TEC student (starting session 2 of 18) and I know a few students who are taking the M-TEC course after taking the VLC one because (according to them) their preparation was not adequate to get a job. You do get what you pay for. I chose M-TEC because of the reputation with employers and the warmth of interaction between students and teachers. The kindness on their message board is not just for show. The instructors really do become your friends and your fellow students are always there for support and encouragement. I am going to sign off before I start to sound like an M-TEC infomercial.  Kimberly
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#4646 - 01/31/03 05:47 AM
Re: Who National Companies Want
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Lindy2003
Junior Member
Registered: 01/23/03
Posts: 18
Loc: Muncie, IN
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Somtimes I'm not sure about posting etiquette conerning these topics, that is, what is too specific about schools, repeating hearsay, reporting what students say, reporting what national companies say, etc., but I feel compelled to share the info I'm getting because I've spent a lot of time gathering it, and I would want someone to share it with me. After all, choosing the school is perhaps the biggest step a person takes as she begins this career path. So, Moderator, be gentle with me if I'm out of line. -- I received another reply from a major national company who said she hires only Career Step grads. I have no reason to make that up, even though it seems like a pretty broad, or should I say narrow, statement. She didn't even mention the other two big names. Since I want to begin working from home immediately after completing my education, the national companies' opinions are holding a lot of weight with me. Just wanted to share.
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#4647 - 01/31/03 07:24 AM
Re: Who National Companies Want
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BabyBlue
Junior Member
Registered: 01/16/03
Posts: 14
Loc: Stanwood, WA
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I am a current Career Step student. I also looked into M-Tec and Andrews, but felt CS was a better fit for me. The content seems to be thorough and I've had great encouragement and help when needed. Please feel free to e-mail me if I can answer any questions for you. 
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#4648 - 01/31/03 09:22 AM
Re: Who National Companies Want
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Ruby2
Member
Registered: 01/13/03
Posts: 61
Loc: Washington State
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I am currently a Career Step student through my local community college. They offer the course (nationally) online with additional curriculum to meet the Department of Education's requirements, and therefore the CS course qualifies for federal grant and student loan money. CS is a good program. I also had a successful MTSO tell me she would only hire CS graduates in the future as they all "had what it takes." In the community college portion we covered much more terminology in "The Language of Medicine," took a comprehensive Word class, in-depth business grammar, etc. For me it was the best of both programs, but if you have to choose....CS is focused only on MT whereas the community college program was catering more toward the MA, and we were just along for the ride.
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#4649 - 01/31/03 10:57 PM
Re: Who National Companies Want
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Lindy2003
Junior Member
Registered: 01/23/03
Posts: 18
Loc: Muncie, IN
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Thank you all--your experience and perspectives are highly valuable to me!
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#4650 - 01/31/03 01:09 PM
Re: Who National Companies Want
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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I am probably biased, but I just graduated from the Andrews School. Their course is geared to get you employable. The instructors are excellent and really work with you on an individual basis. I had no problem getting companies to let me test for employment, and ended up with a job offer from HealthScribe, which I have accepted. I also just took the CMT Part 1 test and passed it yesterday. Not bad for a brand new newbie! Check out the Andrews School. Not only are they supportive while you are in school, they are just as helpful after you are finished. I was able to check out additional tapes and practice exams to help prepare for the CMT exam. Linda Andrews is very knowledgable and accessible. I highly recommend this course!
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Moderator: Annie
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