I was a student with Andrews School for about 1 month. The instructors were mean and unreasonable. You were expected to type out fantastic reports right from the start. How many other people have been discouraged from being a medical transcription because of this school?

I graduated from Andrews in November 2008, and while I didn't land a job until the following April, I was hired by the employer at the top of my list. I was making $8/hour by the end of my first month and receiving better feedback than other new hires (from CareerStep - their grammar and punctuation are almost always atrocious). The grading scale is difficult at Andrews because it's the same "grading scale" an MT has to face on the job. I am expected to maintain 99% accuracy while meeting my minimum line requirements. Thanks to my training, I'm up for the task.

As for typing - Andrews makes it perfectly clear that they do not offer any training in typing and that typing skills are a prerequisite. If someone with poor typing skills passes the entrance exam and then decides to take the course, they are knowingly going against the recommendations of the school It is not the fault of the school if that person cannot meet their line requirements and earn a decent paycheck.

Having said all of that, I do agree with previous commenters that Andrews offers no technical training. If your intention is to seek employment status with an MTSO, I believe the training at Andrews to be perfectly fine. However, if you want to be an IC, you will have to learn the ins and outs of MT technology all by yourself.

What I think are reasonable expectations if you are interested in entering this field:
+A pay rate that is low but still above minimum wage.
+Employment status means you have a set schedule - you do not make your own schedule unless you are a *completely* independent contractor. I work the same schedule every week and get a 30-minute lunch and two 15-minute breaks. Expecting to work during the kids' naps or after they go to bed or whenever you just plain feel like it is not reality.
+You will not be bouncing your baby on your knee while you transcribe. It's just not possible.
Transcription requires your complete and undivided attention. Well, it does if you want to make any money and actually keep a job.
+You can, however, put dirty laundry in your washing machine during one of your 15-minute breaks. I love doing that!
+There's an excellent chance you will have to settle for a schedule you hate.