Yes, here is ANOTHER question about schooling. To someone who is new to this field I really appreciate any responses!! I have been perusing the web for any info I can get my hands on about the different on-line programs in the MT profession. I would love to hear from any of you who "attended" The Laird School. I was impressed with The Andrews School as well. What seems to set The Laird School apart is the fact that they have a recruitment program with MedQuist, as they waive the usual 2 year experience requirement. Are there any hidden drawbacks? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Hi DawnfromKC,
Your letter caught my attention and I felt I needed to share with you what decisions I made in choosing an MT school. I spent approximately 6 months on the web checking out the numerous schools. I found prices ranging from $200 to $5,000. The next thing I did was to find out what each school offered. This was very important to me because if the course is lacking, it will hurt you later on. Also, does the school offer actual doctor dictation tapes? My next step was to narrow my choices down from 10 to 5 and then 2. The school I choose was based on their course and the price. Some of the schools are overpriced and their curriculum is no different than the less expensive ones. What they do is throw in books, etc. that you will probably never use. To be honest with you, I almost went with Andrews but I was not convinced they were the best. So I kept looking and doing research until I found what I believe is a good school. The school I attend has a recruitment program with MedQuist and will waive the 2 year experience requirement. At the end of the course, I will take a test and if I pass, I receive a certificate showing I took the course and passed it. According to former students, her tests are hard but fair. Then you submit an application and resume to MedQuist. They will contact you and test you. If you pass their test, your hired. If your interested in checking it out, the school I am attending is called CAI. I hope I helped you out. Let me know how your pursuit is going.

Thank you so much for your honest assessment regarding your search- that is exactly what I am looking for (and for others out there with the same concerns). I have done some reseach myself but am afraid of possibly missing something that others may have honed in on. Because I am not in the field and not knowing what is particularlly important, everyone's opinion is valued tremendoulsly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU for taking the time to respond! Everyone is new at one point, right? Dawn

After thoroughly researching schools through another transcription board (which I never seem to be able to log-in to so I came here) I originally signed up with California College for Health Sciences b/c a couple of postings said it was one of the schools companies would consider hiring newbies from. Let me tell you, I'm not continuing with them for several reasons which I won't get into here. I'm switching over to Education Direct's program. Unfortunately, I am limited as to which schools I can choose b/c I am using some educational benefits from when I was in the Army (as an Arabic transcriptionist which is a heck of a lot harder than medical transcription) and CCHS and Education Direct (which happen to be owned by same parent company) are the only two options for me that I can afford. I feel confident enough that I can switch to a less expensive program and still get something out of it b/c I know that I am disciplined enough to do some extra studying, even if it means purchasing supplemental materials. Besides, an acquaintance of mine told me that when it came time to apply for a job, the employer didn't care which school she went to, only if she could pass their test. Best of luck.

Thanks for your post! I checked into the courses you suggested and liked what I saw. It is still amazing to me how many MT courses are out there! This is why I want everyone's opinion- you never know what your are missing. I am a bit sceptical of a lot of "at home" study programs (not the schools you referred to) b/c of the unnecessary add-ons and what not the typical newbie would think is necessary. Thanks again, DAWN

Hi DawnfromKC!

I have sent you a private message about the school that I am enrolled with. Let me know what you think.

ksjayhawk

I trained online with Career Step. I graduated last October and have been working since a week of graduation. I can definitely recommend it.

www.careerstep.com

Hi KC! I was in the same position. I researched for about a year, and then I signed up with Career Step in August. So far, I am really enjoying the program. I have even referred it to one of my friends who also lives here in KC, and she likes it as well. The people that I have talked to have all been really helpful and nice. I was also debating over the same schools, and I feel that this is just as good of a program, and cheaper. I also emailed the rep from Medquist for our area, just to see what she recommended, and this was one of the schools. She said that I have a job if I pass the test upon graduation. Give it a look.

Hi! I've just joined this site. And to put my oar in about schools, I also have completed the Career Step course and graduated last week. Am now looking for work and hoping to be employed soon. I was very pleased w/ my training and the support the course offers.

Kim

As an old-timer with some years of both teaching and recruiting experience, here are the "distance" courses that have my respect and that of many employers: MTEC (www.mtecinc.com), Review of Systems (www.mtmonthly.com/ros), The Andrews School (www.andrewsschool.com), and Career Step (www.careerstep.com).

Try not to be too concerned about cost. A low-cost program that gets you 95% job-ready is worthless because you are not employable at the end of it. A top-notch program that takes a little longer but gets you job-ready for a running start in the medical transcription profession is worth the time, money, and hard work you put into it. Medical transcription is not easy. This is a major career decision. Take it seriously.