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MT Schools - How important is accreditation through DETC and state education boards?
I'm looking into schools for Medical Transcription. From reading other Answers, i see Career Step is highly recommended. Also they're approved by AHDI & have very few issues in their BBB report, but it seems they're not accredited with DETC (neither are any other of AHDI's approved schools), & they don't have anything from the state education board. I've also checked out Penn Foster (done another course from them) & US Career Institute/At-home Professions (went to their seminar). They aren't approved by AHDI & have more issues in their BBB reports, but they're all accredited with DETC & licensed by their state education boards. So whats the deal? Is AHDI approval more important than DETC accreditation in the world of Medical Transcription schools? Who do I choose? Please help! I want to get started with the classes ASAP. (I'm afraid it will take me longer to choose the school than it will to complete the training!!!)
Public Comments
- I spent 2 YEARS researching schools before finally jumping in. So, I know how you feel! :) AHDI approval IS much more important than DETC accreditation in the world of Medical Transcription. The DETC is responsible for accrediting correspondence schools. Medical Transcription, in itself, is not a degree, however. Therefore, it is not necessary that the training course be accredited. If you plan on working towards a future degree, it may be beneficial to attend a school that is accredited. However, unless your degree is in the Medical field your MT credits will most likely be used as extracurricular credits. The AHDI (Association of Healthcare Documentation Integrity) sets the standards for MT courses. Employers know that graduates of these 'approved' courses have gained the skills necessary to begin working in the MT field. I'm contacted daily by students from both Penn Foster and AHP, asking for advice in finding a work-at-home MT job. Many are finding that companies will not even let them test for employment. The training provided by these schools is inadequate and employers are aware of the lack of quality training provided by these schools. I attended a local seminar by AHP not too long ago, out of curiosity. I asked a LOT of questions - questions I felt any prospective student or MT should have the answers to. The saleslady couldn't answer half of my questions and I ended up correcting her on the majority of her information. I was not impressed and I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. I graduated from Career Step and received a job less than a week after graduating. I am very impressed with the training I received through them and highly recommended them. Several family members and friends have since signed up for their course, having realized that I am 'actually' working from home as an MT and seeing my success. Edited to add: If your worried about attending a course that is not accredited (though, again, not necessary in this field) Career Step is partnered with several community colleges. You'll get the same quality training you would from CS, but in a college setting. Taking this route, however, means paying for each credit (your tuition will be higher) and the course won't be self-paced. However, there may be more financial aid options. I don't believe you will have access to the student forums (a wonderful resource!) or job postings provided by CS, though. I guess it's just about what will work for 'you'. :)
