I was wondering if anyone could recommend a quality, but reasonably priced online training program. Has anyone had any experience or heard anything about VLC (Virtual Learning Center)?

Thanks!

Hi A McCoy,

The mark of quality for a school is whether or not the graduates are able to secure employment and keep it after they finish the course. In that vein, I would contact transcriptionists or transcription services in your area (look in your local Yellow Pages under transcription) or even the national services and ask what programs they recommend, or even ask if they would hire a graduate of the school you referenced.

I knew someone who lives in my town who was going to take a course at one of those schools who offer a medical transcription course and also have courses in truck driving. It cost like $900, which is one of the reasons she was interested. She asked my opinion about it, and I told her that, having been in this business at that time probably 10 years, I had never met a graduate of that course who was working (I am very active in my local AAMT chapter and have met many local MTs).

Also, check out AAMT.org. They are going to be launching an accreditation-type program with AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) to give prospective students like you a place to go to check out a program in which you might be interested.

A lot of the top schools have financing programs also. The other thing I would advise is this: It's worth paying money for a school where you will be trained to actually do the work. I've heard of many people who took inferior courses and weren't able to secure a position. You can easily make 10-fold the cost of a good course after several years if you have your own clients. That's more bang for the buck than a college degree.

Good luck, and let us know how you make out!

Thank you for your input. I will have to check out this program more thoroughly. They do offer financing options, and they do not teach truck driving, so that's a good sign. Thanks again!

Hi:
I'm an old newbie that is I was in the medical transcribing/reception field about 20 years ago and now am trying to get back into it. It seems a little more difficult unless you have recent experience. I am familiar with the VLC as I am currently taking a Refresher course online with them. I must say they are very detailed even in the refresher course. The refresher course covers basic medical terminology, basic anatomy, literary aspects of language, grammar & spelling as well as transcribing. I am working my way through it on my own time but there is a lot to cover for a refresher course. If the complete course is as intense as this one, I would think it would be very thorough. For me getting my foot back in the door seems to be the most difficult. I'll keep you posted.

I am a VLC grad. I got a great job about three months after graduating and I have had great reviews from my employer. The course is very well priced and you are given all the technical tools you need for the job. That being said, no course is worth a dime if you do not possess the more important qualities necessary for this field, some of which include dedication, perserverence, and a real desire to learn and incorporate your learning into your job.

Thank you all for your feedback. I think I will most likely go with VLC. I have heard good things from others about the program and the prices and payment plans make it much more feasible for me. Thank you again, your input is much appreciated.

People's opinion of the VLC course seems to depend on when they took the course. It seems to have gone through good and bad times. Hopefully, it's all good now. I remember considering it at one point.

I have to say though, for a little bit extra, you could take a course like M-Tec's which seems to have an better track record. Not only that, but a little bit extra, you get a lot. Just the reference materials they provide you with are worth it. Some will argue that you don't need them until you start working, but I think it's better to learn to use them before you start working. And the reference books they provide are not just course books. They include a lot of "MT standards" including the AAMT Book of Style..the medical transcriptionist's 'bible' of grammar and style for medical transcription. And the Book of Style is used A LOT throughout the course, so you become quite familiar with it before you even start working.

All I'm saying really, is research thoroughly. Call up some transcription companies and toss them some school names like VLC, M-Tec, Andrews, and Career Step, and see what they have to say about their grads. A lot of people have done this and came away with useful info for choosing their school.

Hello everyone.

I wasn't going to add to this topic but considering cidalia's message I feel that I should. (Members who have already heard this self promotion can take a short nap now .)

Medword.com has been selling Personal Edge & Professional Edge courses now for many, many years. The company that authors these courses has been in business for over 32 years. Text books are only included in those courses that require certain books, like the ICD and CPT Coding Books that come with the coding course. Books used to be included in courses but with all the used books available, many students wanted to look after buying their own. This also helps keep down the cost of the courses.

There is a good amount of information at MT Gab regarding these courses, including input from some graduates of the courses. You can find a good discussion on this topic here: Courses Medword Recommends .

To read other relevant information you can use the search function entering the phrase "Personal Edge" or "Professional Edge." The best results are found with the former page and one result with the latter.

I'm sure A McCoy has found a course by now, but I had still had to add these comments for the record.

All I can say about training is to stay away from PCDI! What a joke. The books are out of date and after going through it I was unable to find a job because it seems no one considers it a real school.