When looking into MT schools, it is important to think about it as an investment that will pay off when you complete the program and begin working. We discussed earlier how some programs offer very short courses and only skim over subjects like anatomy, medical terminology, disease processes, laboratory medicine, and pharmacology. Additionally, many courses do not offer enough comprehensive transcription practice. When evaluating programs it is important to have a base model in which to compare every program. A wonderful model is the AAMT’s COMPRO.
Look not only at what subjects the school offers but how in-depth and comprehensive they cover each of these areas. For example, you cannot possibly thoroughly cover the subject of anatomy in a few weeks’ time. Medical transcriptionists deal with many different accents, medical specialties, and must have a broad-based understanding of medical language. If the program you are considering does not offer comprehensive study in all of the areas discussed in COMPRO then you may want to consider that it is not a wise investment of your money. You also want to ask the following questions when deciding on a school:
1. Are the instructors experienced transcriptionists?
2. Have the instructors been MT service owners?
3. Have the instructors been MT educators previously?
4. How much dictation is included in the program?
5. Is the dictation authentic doctor dictated reports? (Some schools offer tapes that are read by actors which are WAY too easy.)
6. What type of materials will you receive in the course? Good MTs need good reference materials, and must learn to use them while in school.
7. Will you have easy access to an instructor? Is he or she available via telephone, e-mail or private messaging?
8. Will you receive immediate feedback on assignments or will you have to wait weeks to hear from your instructor through the mail?
9. Does the school offer in-depth coverage of all the topics COMPRO suggests or do they just touch lightly on these subjects?
10. Does the school offer comprehensive job placement assistance? (Handing you a list of services to send a resume to is not considered comprehensive job placement.)
http://www.mtacc.net/
