Online versus Community College education

Our local community college offers both a "Certificate" and Degree in Medical Transcription. This is a field I've been interested in, and so I'm thinking of joining some classes this spring. The advantage of going to the CC would be personalized instruction, academic advising, and (theoretically) better local placement.

On the other hand, I know there are good online systems by which to obtain a MT Certificate. The advantages of online coursework are ease of use, no day-time (while I'm at work) classes, and some are less expensive than the CC.

So, what are your thoughts? What's the better path?

I think it depends partly on where you want to work as an MT. If you want to work for a local hospital, they might appreciate someone with an AA from a local CC, especially if the hospital has ties with the CC course/instructors. A hospital may prefer someone with experience though, so you might want to check with them on that before you make a decision. I'd specifically ask the CC instructors what the local hospitals prefer as far as training when hiring a local MT.

If you want to work for a large national MT company (not the best choice, IMO), you might want to attend an online MT course that the big companies are familiar with (M-Tec or Andrews, for instance). Some of the MT companies overlook the 2-year work experience requirement for graduates of those schools.

It's a tough decision.

mtathome in Yorba Linda, California said: I think it depends partly on where you want to work as an MT. If you want to work for a local hospital, they might appreciate someone with an AA from a local CC, especially if the hospital has ties with the CC course/instructors. A hospital may prefer someone with experience though, so you might want to check with them on that before you make a decision. I'd specifically ask the CC instructors what the local hospitals prefer as far as training when hiring a local MT.

If you want to work for a large national MT company (not the best choice, IMO), you might want to attend an online MT course that the big companies are familiar with (M-Tec or Andrews, for instance). Some of the MT companies overlook the 2-year work experience requirement for graduates of those schools.

It's a tough decision.

Indeed, it is a tough one. The CC in question is an ADHI approved program, so I would assume that would give me even more of a reason to attend local. In any event, thanks for your reply.

I would have taken the community college class in person instead of the online class that I did. Everyone questions the certificate I have because they are not familiar with the online school. Although some online schools are great if you do not have the time to attend class. Good luck!!

makphisto, if the online school you're thinking of is Everett CC, which uses the CS training program, I think the large MT companies would recognize that.

"Online Certificate", I'm curious which online school you attended that everyone questions. M-Tec, Andrews, and CS are the most recognizable schools to employers, and they overlook the 2-year work experience requirement for graduates of those schools.

I also meant to add, makphisto, that Everett CC also has ties with local facilities/hospitals, so that particular CC might be a good choice, as it's recognizable to both local employers and online employers.

I haven't really researched online degrees that much. The Community College to which I'm referring is Richland Community College.

I've researched this a lot. Career Step is not real highly rated but it is very interactive.
Med Workshops has a higher grad rate than Everett- and it has an Internship which is hard to find. In Seattle.
M-Tec and Andrews are good, but so expensive.
Schools like Allied, PMI, etc are Diploma Brokers, IMO. Any school that combines Med Trans with Legal degrees is very iffy indeed.
I like the schools that work with MT Cos. to get grads hired. The testing and 2 year requirements will sap the energy out of anyone.