Where can I go for good Medical Transcription training that is legit?

Question

Hey, I am wanting to go into medical transcription and work from home. But all the courses are so expensive that I don't want to make a mistake by going through a company that is not legit. I'm needing some help from some medical transcriptionists out there as to where you received your training from? I currently do not have any of the equipment such as the foot pedal or even a laptop so a company that offers that stuff along with their training would definitely be a plus. Hope I get some great answers. Thanks in advance everyone!!!! *Beth*

Answer 1

Go to a community college. The online schools are a waste of money.

You should also know that you have to have 1 years of in-hospital experience, full-time, but usually more like 3-5 years of in-hospital experience before anyone will hire you to work at home. Look at www.mtstars.com current job listings, and you'll see everyone requires much experience.

You can't just take a course and start working at home.  

Answer 2

I so disagree w/ the poster that told you to go to a community college and that the online schools are a waste. I've been in this industry over 8 years and I've worked as an MT recruiting (hiring MTs). Since MTs work at home, most of the company's that hire know what the online schools offer. Yes, there are some crummy courses out there that were slapped together quickly to make fast money off student who later can't get jobs. There are also some VERY good quality schools out there- 4 top Schools.

Community colleges are hit or miss and let me explain why. The SUM CDs are the gold standard in MT training and they cost $800 per CD retail (less for quantity, of course). Few community colleges can make students pay THAT much for books and supplies for a course, and they can't afford to supply each student w/ them. So, they usually go w/ substandard dictation training (that a lot of the cheap schools use) such as the Hillcrest tapes or Forrest tapes. These tapes are too easy and not real world. They leave you unprepared for real work.

Check into the top schools as sometimes they may run specials or discounts. Sometimes Summers are slow for enrollment and they may run great discounts at this time. Also, call them, and ask for a discount. It can't hurt. : )

Good luck to you. I like that you are researching this before just jumping in.