This blog is part of a series on transcription. If you haven’t read the other blogs in this series, make sure to check out the summary page for a listing of all transcription blogs. For part three of this interview, please click here.
Here is part four of the interview with Amanda, the Administrative Assistant at Career Step:
Are there any limits on how long the course is “good for” (ie, do students have to purchase extensions after a certain amount of time, and if so, how much are the extensions)? The Career Step Medical Transcription training program requires approximately 640 hours of independent study to complete. On average, it is anticipated that the entire program will require approximately 4 months of full-time study or 6-12 months to complete on a part time basis.
Career Step allows one year from the date of enrollment to complete the coursework. If a student is unable to complete the coursework within the given enrollment period, an extension may be purchased in order to continue. Extensions are available in three-month blocks for $60 per block. Students may purchase as many extensions as needed to finish the course as long as long as the guidelines laid out in the extension policy are met.
What kind of support is offered to students while they are in school? Career Step has a student services department to assist students as they go through the course. The student services department answers questions about the program and addresses problems or confusing issues students may have. Career Step offers encouragement as well as offers suggestions and pointers on how to work effectively through the course. If a student does not pass the final exam, Career Step provides instruction on how to better prepare.
Career Step monitors the forum and focuses on the issues that students discuss. All calls, emails, and letters from students are welcomed and Career Step makes an effort to be responsive to concerns in a timely manner. Career Step simply sees themselves as mentors, trainers, and supporters; there to address whatever needs the students may have relative to the course and to the goal of becoming working medical transcriptionists.
Career Step’s goal is to provide training for those who wish to enter the field of medical transcription as well as to do all they can to help students find employment when they complete the course.
Read on to the next blog, where I post part five!