College Programs, Community Colleges and Vocational Schools

If you feel that you learn best in a classroom with a teacher, one of these will probably be the option for you. Which one is best depends on what you can afford to spend on your education, the quality of the schools in your area and how long you want to take.

Many schools offer job placement assistance. Even beyond how helpful it is having someone help you find that first job, it’s a good idea to check with the placement department to find out their placement rate of graduates. This can give you an idea as to the quality of the program. If graduates are having a lot of trouble finding work, it may not be a great program.

Another way to check the quality of local education programs is to contact major medical transcription companies in your area and see if they have an opinion. Employers often know which programs turn out students ready to work versus students who will need a lot of hand holding before they’re good enough.

The community college is generally the cheapest of these options. When I checked a local community college’s website, their medical transcription program required 22-25 units, which would take at least two semesters to complete. This would depend somewhat on whether you meet all the prerequisites and whether you can attend part time or full time, of course.

Vocational schools can run into the thousands. They can be a good option, depending as always on the quality of the program. The school I checked had a program that ran for 28 weeks in the classroom plus a 4 week externship. Some schools include the cost of supplies and books which can be a big help.

Back to medical transcription training options.

 

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