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#76982 - 07/20/07 11:50 PM
My head is spinning...
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jillntoledo
New Member
Registered: 07/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: toledo, ohio
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I've spent the past week pouring through the entire content of this chatroom; every thread, every post, old and new. I am interested in getting into the MT field and after the "research" that I have done this week, I am starting to waver in my desire to become an MT. Not because of the job itself, the requirements, the commitments to education, etc, etc...but to the total confusion that I am experiencing right now. I've read, and please feel free to correct me if I am wrong, that Andrew's and V-Tec are the only two ways to go. But, then I read about how great Career Step is and how their graduates are in such high demand. Then I go to the classified thread, just for giggles, and see that all of these ads say they require a minimum of 2 years transcribing experience. Then, please someone tell me why Andrew's, V-Tec and Career Step all say that there graduates are in high demand directly after certification. AUGHHH!!!!! I don't mean to offend anyone, or step on toes. Maybe I've done too much research and have made it harder than it should be. But, as a single working mother of a very active toddler (and I'm not getting any younger, might I add:), I can't afford to waste my money on programs that fluff themselves up to be more than they really are. I feel that I will be a valuable asset to the MT field and I am willing to put the time into it, and pay my dues, but can anyone offer some advice here. Career Step or Andrews? Or are they both pretty much on par with each other, education/training wise. If that is the case, then why the huge price difference in tuition between schools? After all, you get what you pay for, right? HELP?!?! I want to thank all of you for your comments and posts( to one another) and to let you know that it has opened my eyes to alot about this particular field. You seem to genuinely be interested in one another's best interests and improving the field of Medical Transcriptioning. OK, enough for now. I'm just going to be quiet and eagerly await your replies. Thank you!! Here I go, I'm going to hit the submit button (cringe)
_________________________
I lost my job to illness; my boss got sick of me. (I hope this made you smile).
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#76983 - 07/20/07 11:55 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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jillntoledo
New Member
Registered: 07/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: toledo, ohio
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I am sorry, M-Tec, not V-Tec. It's been an incredibly long day....My most sincere apologies.....
_________________________
I lost my job to illness; my boss got sick of me. (I hope this made you smile).
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#76984 - 07/21/07 01:13 AM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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AmBeck22
Member
Registered: 11/02/06
Posts: 331
Loc: WV
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Lol, I was hoping you'd catch that V-Tec thing!! If you have read the posts about Career Step here at MT Chat, I don't think that school would be an option anymore. There are some satisfied Career Steppers (one extremely satisfied one on another board who is paid to be "satisfied"), but for the most part, there is regret. Do it right the first time around and YOU will be in high demand. It will be worth it.
Welcome to the board :o).
_________________________
Amanda 
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#76988 - 07/21/07 05:45 AM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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Beach_MT
Member
Registered: 09/13/05
Posts: 612
Loc: Connecticut
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I graduated from M-TEC back in 2004 and had a job offer within 2 weeks of graduation. M-TEC students get the education they need to enter the job market fresh out of school. Many, many companies will waive the 2-year experience requirement for graduates. This is true for Andrews as well. You are correct, you get what you pay for. Why don't you give the 3 schools a call and "feel them out." M-TEC and Andrews also have a forum you can visit where you can ask questions. Glad to see you're doing your "homework" concerning your education.
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#76990 - 07/21/07 06:56 AM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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baldymom
Member
Registered: 02/26/04
Posts: 642
Loc: Hampton Roads - Va
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Just like Beach_MT, I had a job offer within two weeks of graduating from Andrews. Even after accepting my first offer, which turned out to be great (gotta do your homework when that time comes too!), I continued to receive job offers for months afterward.
Yes, you get what you pay for. I have never heard of a disgruntled Andrews or M-Tec graduate. It was well worth the investment.
_________________________
What would you do with a brain if you had one? -- Dorothy -- Wizard of Oz
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#76994 - 07/21/07 09:41 AM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: baldymom]
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GracieB
New Member
Registered: 07/15/07
Posts: 21
Loc: Florida
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I am currently an Andrews student. I called actual employers when I was starting out. I spoke with recruiters at hospitals and transcription companies. I asked them exactly what kind of education do they recommend. In the long run, they are the ones who will be signing your paychecks. Many of them said that an Andrews grad would be able to waive the 2-5 year minimum of experience. I am extremely happy with my choice. Especially when I see questions that some working MTs have, I am able to know the right answer because it was covered in school already.
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#76996 - 07/21/07 10:33 AM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: GracieB]
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Hornet
Member
Registered: 07/09/04
Posts: 991
Loc: Edenton, NC
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Many employers do waive the experience requirements for graduates of the schools mentioned. The best thing to do is to contact the schools and decide which one fits you and your learning style best.
_________________________
Robert Brown, AAS
Employed graduate of Career Step
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#77000 - 07/21/07 11:26 AM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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FarAwayDeb
Member
Registered: 03/15/02
Posts: 2917
Loc: just south of Rochester, NY
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I sent you a PM. Click on the little flashing envelope by your name.
_________________________
Good grammar ain't easy.
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#77013 - 07/21/07 01:35 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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Sallygirl
Member
Registered: 01/05/04
Posts: 1608
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After all, you get what you pay for, right?
I went to Andrews, and I just have to say I have always felt I got MUCH more than I paid for. At the outset, it seemed so expensive to me. After all was said and done, it was quite a bargain. You can't go wrong with either M-TEC or Andrews, but I can only speak for the school I attended. Graduates are generally hired within the week of graduation if they start the testing process immediately.
There is no such thing as too much research when it concerns your future and the financial well-being of your toddler and you. Confusing, yes, but too much, no.  Good for you for doing all the research. I'm sure you will choose what is best for you and your situation. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.
_________________________
Sally
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#77016 - 07/21/07 02:27 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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Bennet
Junior Member
Registered: 07/13/07
Posts: 60
Loc: North TX
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Hi! I know exactly how you feel. I spent the past few weeks trying to make up my mind; I finally chose M-Tec and ordered my "box" yesterday. For me, it was either M-Tec or Andrews, as I crossed Career Step off the list after seeing some of the negative comments about them in different forums. After writing to both schools with my questions and receiving answers I liked, I still couldn't decide. Both had great placement rates, graduation/enrollment rates that did not make them look like "MT mills," friendly and open attitudes, and solid curricula.
Finances made my decision for me. The Andrews payment plan was good, but the ability to have a lower monthly payment until I can pay more at M-Tec fit my situation better. I applied for a Sallie Mae loan, which should keep my payments well under $50/month (longest term, reasonable interest).
I don't know if my story helps, but I don't think you can go wrong with either Andrews or M-Tec.
_________________________
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.
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#77021 - 07/21/07 03:38 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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Coastalbound2010
New Member
Registered: 02/26/07
Posts: 3
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It sounds like you have done your homework.  I went to Andrews, graduated on the 2nd, and received a job offer on the 20th (with my #1 choice!). I can only speak for Andrews and tell you that Linda has an excellent program, our instructors are top-notch, and the students and grads are all there for moral support. It is a great atomsphere.
Best of luck to you!
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#77028 - 07/21/07 05:56 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: Coastalbound2010]
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PegB
Member
Registered: 11/05/06
Posts: 110
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I went to CS.
I am employed.
I love my job.
The End
Peg ~ who woke up on the sarcastic side of the bed today ;)
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#77049 - 07/21/07 11:06 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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FarAwayDeb
Member
Registered: 03/15/02
Posts: 2917
Loc: just south of Rochester, NY
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I know you've said you read all the posts here at MT Chat, but I just want to point out that you might want to re-read this one carefully:
Career Step Students/Grads <-- click here
I'm sure that just about every MT school in existence has at least some people who completed their course that were able to get jobs (except maybe Trans Am a/k/a "Trans Scam").
_________________________
Good grammar ain't easy.
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#77050 - 07/21/07 11:15 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: FarAwayDeb]
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PegB
Member
Registered: 11/05/06
Posts: 110
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LOL Deb...
You are so blunt yet tactful. ;)
Peg
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#77063 - 07/22/07 12:10 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: PegB]
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jillntoledo
New Member
Registered: 07/15/07
Posts: 22
Loc: toledo, ohio
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Thank you to all of the replies. I have decided to go with M-Tec (yeah...I got it right this time, I guess I got enough sleep last night). Their tuition is pricey, yes, but I have not read ANYTHING negative on their program. Not one single thing, literally. Unfortunately, I have read too much, WAY too much, negative on Career Step. Yes, they do turn out good MT's, but I think those aformentioned MT's are good because of their own hard work and effort, not because of the training that CS offers. I applied for my SM loan this morning. In the very near future, I may be joining your ranks as a trained and competant MT, not just as someone dreaming about being in control of her family's future. I am looking forward to it!
Just for those who are doing what I've spent the past two weeks of my life obsessing about...PLEASE do your research! I got "sucked" into AHP's storybook telling last fall. Now, I am out several hundred dollars of hard earned money (just book 1, thankfully). Still, we can not afford for me to lose any more money. I was so close to signing up with CS, then I started doing some more digging. Boy, am I glad that I did! Now, I'm completely comfortable and confident in my decision to enroll in M-Tec's program. I have no qualms or reservations that this spring, when I graduate, that I will be fully capable to enter the working world of a Medical Transcriptionist. I also am confident that I will be able to land a great job right out of the gate. Please, do your homework and investigate before you spend your hard earned money (unless your money grows on a tree, and in that case, where do I get one of those:)!!!!! Thank you!
_________________________
I lost my job to illness; my boss got sick of me. (I hope this made you smile).
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#77064 - 07/22/07 12:23 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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Gisele Dubson
Member
Registered: 05/28/99
Posts: 5629
Loc: Boulder, CO, USA
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You will not regret this decision, good luck to you!
_________________________
Gisele F. Dubson, RHIA, Mercury Medical Communications
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#77068 - 07/22/07 12:47 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: Gisele Dubson]
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Misha
Member
Registered: 12/05/05
Posts: 653
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Yeah Jill! Excellent choice.
_________________________
Misha
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#77080 - 07/22/07 02:55 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: Misha]
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PegB
Member
Registered: 11/05/06
Posts: 110
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Good luck Jill...
I hope you love this career as much as I do.
Peg
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#77081 - 07/22/07 03:33 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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orientgrace
New Member
Registered: 12/31/06
Posts: 14
Loc: CA
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See you soon in the M-TEC halls, Jill.
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#77102 - 07/22/07 08:51 PM
Re: My head is spinning...
[Re: jillntoledo]
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Granny MT
Junior Member
Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 60
Loc: North Carolina
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I graduated from M-TEC in February and had a job offer before I finished my test finals. Any of the schools you mentioned in your 1st post are good reputuable schools. You will not be sorry for choosing M-TEC either. They have an excellent reputation and good job opportunities for their graduates.
I love my job and give M-TEC the credit for preparing me so well for this field.
_________________________
Life comes at ya fast, be ready!
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