Christi...I'm sure you can carry over your credits to CCHS for that add'l. training. I would email or call them for their brochure.
To all...I want to make sure that I haven't offended anyone with their choice of school. Like I said, my sis is happy with PCDI and the main reason why I didn't choose them was the SUM tape issue. I'm sure ICS is a good school, too, but I just had a bad experience with someone there when I was just calling for info. And "first impressions" can be a deciding factor, of course, no matter how good the school. Afterall, I haven't even begun my studies at CCHS yet, so I wouldn't begin to stress that it was better than others. But my experience with them so far, and the fact they are accredited and use SUM tapes plus being able to move on to get even your Masters Degree there, helped me make my decision. It is so hard because you can't judge by a web-site appearance! Before I chose a school, I contacted Medquist (since they were running an ad in our local paper) and went a lot by the advice I got from them, e.g., the SUM tape issue. I hope others will share their experience with different schools. I'm sure it will help others!

Hi, It took me about 3 months to decide on a school. After lots of research, I chose the
Stratford Career Institute. I am in my 4th month of training at home and so far I feel the course is great. I have been working for an insurance company for about 10 years (claims, medical review, transplant unit and now programing). I am real tired of corporate America. Our office is shutting down and I felt this is the perfect time to change careers. I am still working full time while taking the at home course. As soon as I get my lay-off package, I will be able to study full time. If anyone out there has any comments on Stratford, I would be glad to hear them. MarGry

Just thought I would do an update here. Got my books Friday from CCHS (California College for Health Sciences) and started my studies on Saturday. Have turned in my exam for English and could not believe the grammar and the plain old fundamentals that I had forgotten! It was tough (for me), but I am glad in a way because it turned a light on upstairs! I hope I did well...or at least passed! A passing score is 90% (out of 100 questions on this test.)! Now I am moving onto the anatomy and physiology and I wish I could devise some system to remember! Of course, I'm trying to remember it all the first time I read it and I know I'm being too tough on myself; I just wish to do well.

When researching MT courses, did anyone consider using MediTec? It has really appealed to me, but I would like to know if anyone has had experience with it or even heard of it. Thank you.

Hello MT's,

I am a Certified Medical Assistant who wants to do Medical Transcription at home. I had to take a MT course from the medical assistant program. I wanted to know if I would need additional training/education before I try to persue a MT career at home. ANY EXPERIENCED MT W/ ADVICE.....Please respond, Thanks!

Hi! I have really enjoyed everyone's messages and I'm really glad I found this website. I was feeling alone on this new venture to becoming a MT and in one day I have found so much info. on this site. I enrolled in PCDI and am about 1/2 way through the couse. I have completed the textbook part of the course and just started on the actual transcription. I was unaware of the SUM tapes until I read about it on this site. I might have to rent them when I am through. I was wondering if anyone has tried to purchase a transcription machine over the net and if anyone knows how much money an at home MT can expect to make part-time. Also has anyone heard what kind of machine is best to get? I know there are three different size tapes and I have heard the micro size is the most common. I am anxious to get started and scared too. I am also a stay at home mom and am hoping to support my family doing medical transcription while my husband is in Physician's Assistant school next year. I have about 5 years exp. working in a doctor's office, but mostly doing insurance and billing, so I am a little scared about being able to do the transcription. I don't know how well this course is actually preparing me for the real world of MT. I worry about being able to type fast enough and of course about being able to transcribe medical words correctly. I would appreciate any input.

Mondae99 ... I've found a great resource for equipment. eBay.com is an auction site. When you check it out you will see how well it's run. To date I have purchased a NEW Sony2000 microcassette transcriber for $85 (S&H), a used Dictaphone standard for $81 (S&H included, a new Dell Ergonomic Keyboard for $32.22 (S&H). I will have all this equipment by this weekend and will then have the opportunity to do a hands-on try-out. Many of these sellers are discounting and can because they have 'bought-out' a store somewhere. The above people I have done business with have been extremely courtesous and responsive. I bought the two machines (one standard and one micro) because my course tapes (and all SUM tapes) are on standard size cassettes. I bought the micro because most dictators today do so on micro equipment. (I plan to do some legal transcribing while studying ... ) MAKE SURE that any transcriber you purchase has RERECORD capabilities. Otherwise, you're wasting your time. If you plan on working from your home, you need to be able to rerecord incoming dictation. (When you go to eBay.com, then search for "transcriber" and it will take you to that section.) Best of Luck and I will report on the condition of the items I just purchased as soon as I've tested them out.

Dear tutu

Thank you so much for the info. on transcriptions machines. I will definitely check out eBay.com. I haven't been able to find any machine under $200.00 in the stores. I have just recently got on the net and I am so thrilled with this ability to be able to communicate with so many people nationwide. Thanks again!