are online schools for an associates degree in healthcare considered a valid education to employers?


I keep getting all these e-mails for an on-line associates degree for medical transcription and other careers in the healthcare field, I have been tempted to do it but I wanted to know how employers view an online education versus going to the tech/trade school, is the degree online just as valid

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10 Comments

  1. thesoulcaged
    Posted February 8, 2010 at 12:44 pm | Permalink

    I’ve heard that some places except it but its best not to bring it up simply due to the fact that they what you to have hands on training for these types of jobs.

  2. Franco
    Posted February 8, 2010 at 1:09 pm | Permalink

    They are useless. These schools are just after your money. Go study medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.

  3. GD
    Posted February 8, 2010 at 1:17 pm | Permalink

    before you enrol in any online school or studies, ask first your prospective employer/s if they will accept such online degree. in case these employers accept, then have yourself enrol.

  4. cobra
    Posted February 8, 2010 at 1:38 pm | Permalink

    Health education has no substitite for hands on and face to face contact with teachers and clients. Do not even consider this option.

  5. osi kwara state nigeria africa
    Posted February 8, 2010 at 1:45 pm | Permalink

    With the new development in this computer age, the degree is as valid and recognised as the classroom university .they are just springing up . the education ministry in your country can be contacted for more details.

  6. TR
    Posted February 8, 2010 at 2:11 pm | Permalink

    Research has shown that employers are 15% less likely to hire someone with a degree that’s entirely or mostly done online.

    The degree to which the online studies are devalued varies with occupation. There is, of course, NO way that any competent firm would hire a phlebotomist who studied entirely online–on the other hand, many IT professions may see it as a plus.

    Now, medical transcription is one of those subjects that can be learned properly online. But if I were you, I’d avoid the schools that are spamming you or the ones in the pop-up ads and the banner spots on Yahoo! (sorry, Yahoo!). Those are private, for-profit colleges and they’ll be MUCH more expensive, and many of them don’t even employ full-time faculty. Instead, look for online programs offered by public community colleges or universities in your state–they’ll be cheapest, and their courses will be administered by full-time professors. Best yet, their transcripts will not scream “online!” when an employer looks at them.

  7. RON M
    Posted February 8, 2010 at 2:40 pm | Permalink

    My advice is to avoid online educators: these largely sign up people with low self-esteem, or those desperate for qualifications, and lacking knowledge of educational options.

    Many online operators are online because it is cheaper to ruin courses this way, and they often have no tangible opbligation to their students. Some have little academic prowess, can offer no career expertise, and possess little in the way of integrity.

    You are far better approaching a registered college in your area: ask them if they would recommend online-schooling for your circumstances , or if some of their courses are offered online for those who work odd hours, or have children or other dependents.

    It is worth thinking why you want an online education: is it because you do not have the time in the day or evening? Is it because of travel or access problems? Is it because you are shy, or reluctact to commit larger sums of money?

    You must identify what are your obstacles, and this way you can solve them.
    If it’s money, ask for a subvention or apply for grants.
    If it’s access or travel, seekout a car-share or timetable variation.
    If it’s childcare, go find a voluntary centre which offers supports to lone partners or carers.

    It could be that your questions represents the “top layer” of a deeper questions about career uncertainty, resources and self-esteem. If you go to a reputable collage for advice, you will find there support and knowledge that you will never find online.

    On the question of VALIDITY, as someone who has run my own TV business, and employes graduates, technicians, researchers and many other staff, a proper qualificatino – even at a lower level – from an established and recognised college is worth far more than any online certificate.

    For a start, I would never employ anyone who put this forward, for it would usually mean I could not talk to their tutor or supervisor about that person’s personal qualities.

    In addition, an “offline”, real education, which involves relating to people, solving problems in groups, presenting to colleagues and supervisors, embarking upon social engagements, maybe doing some voluntary activity; this capacity translates well to the workplace, and could clinch the job.

    So go to your local college, speak to the student advisor and may to tutors in your areas of interest, and get your education started. Don’t forget to talk to present and past students!
    Go for it!!

  8. Aliceinworryland
    Posted February 8, 2010 at 2:52 pm | Permalink

    Yes, they are of worth. I have an AAS from an accredited online university, and I make $11,000 more this year then I did last year. The degrees are limited though. If you can find an online degree that interests you, then go ahead. It will be worth it.

  9. Henry Rurean
    Posted February 8, 2010 at 3:03 pm | Permalink

    “My advice is to avoid online educators: these largely sign up people with low self-esteem, or those desperate for qualifications, and lacking knowledge of educational options.”

    Wow, I’ve seen a lot of clueless people, but this post takes the cake.

    I teach onground for a college and also online courses. People that take online courses are usually in the military, working 45+ hours, have familiies, and / or don’t have a college nearby that offers the courses they need. They are much more motivated than the traditional students I have onground, and generally score higher in comparable courses.

    First thing that you need to do is find out if the college is regionally accredited, you can check at http://www.chea.org. This means they have been reviewed by an independent third party, so that you can rely on their program.

    For something like medical transcribing, you’ll have no problem having your degree accepted, we have no problem with placement. Keep in mind, a degree is just one component of the hiring process.

  10. momof3mt
    Posted February 8, 2010 at 3:09 pm | Permalink

    I’m a Medical Transcriptionist, so I can offer advice on that specific field, but I don’t know about other healthcare fields.

    Most employers require experience or participation in one of the top AHDI approved schools. If your looking into Medical Transcription pay the extra in tuition to attend an ‘approved’ school. The top three schools are Career Step, Andrews, and M-Tec. Attending any other school would be a waste of your time and money. Many people have received training through inadequate programs only to find out that they are unable to find a job. AHDI sets the standards for MT courses. Employers know that graduates of these ‘approved’ courses have gained the skills necessary to begin their career as an MT.

    —— AHDI is the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity – http://www.ahdionline.org (formerly known as the American Association for Medical Transcription).

    I attended Career Step and recieved a job (at-home) less than a week after graduating. I’ve received several more job offers since, but have stuck with my original employer because of the flexibility they offer.

    Career Step is an AHDI approved program and they are partnered with many of the major MT employers. In other words, their graduates get the jobs. Many companies require 2-3 years experience, however, a lot of these companies will waive this requirement if you graduate from the right school.

    I recommend CS because they are partnered with MANY employers, self-paced (you can finish in a few months or take as long as over a year or two), and more affordable than the other top 2 courses. Plus, I have personal experience (and success) with the program.

    Attending your local community college will give you a good chance at a job in-house, but if you are wanting to work from home, an online ‘approved’ course is the way to go. Choosing the right school is so important!

    They do offer financial aid and payment plans. :)

    Hope that helps!


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