Why we've chosen not to be on any "Approved" lists: I served on a committee once with one of AHIMA's executives who encouraged me to fill out the application for their approval list. I told her I don't enjoy all that paperwork, but I would take a look at it. I did, all 24 pages of it!!! As I got deeper into it the requirements were that we would have to teach in semesters, medical terminology one semester, A&P the next, pathophysiology as a separate semester, then pharmacology, etc., and we don't do it that way. Our program is set apart from others because of our SUCCESS RATE in credential exams and employment coding tests.
After that the rule about teaching in semesters was eliminated. But a new rule was added that you had to accept financial assistance, which we don't. Then I was told that you were only able to teach to the CCA level - not the CCS level, and we most certainly are not willing to lower the course standards for the purposes of being on that list. Now I think you have to be a degree school, but you know what? I'm not asking. The rules have changed so much that even if I qualified and paid the BIG $$$ to be on that list or any others, I might be disqualified next year because of something else that I don't want to change about our course - because our course works REALLY WELL the way it is. I'm always looking for ways to improve it, but teaching in semesters??? NOOOO! Financial Assistance (student loan program)??? NOOOOO! I do not want to go through the process of becoming a degree program---NOOOO! You get the idea. If it's not broken, don't fix it.
Don't change a thing, Linda. I love the education I'm getting. I agree that these would not be the only changes you would have to make; every year, I'm sure, there would be some other hoop to jump through in order to stay on the list. What I don't understand, though, is why there is such pressure to lower standards rather than raise them. And worse, to hold back those who want to teach and learn at a higher level. I'm seeing it in my children's school district as well, and it boggles my mind.
Those of us who chose this school found it despite it not being on "the list," and the higher level of education was a major factor in our decisions. I feel the most important thing to learn is how to think and use your resources. That is the emphasis here, and your success rate says it all.
Linda, I am in total agreement with you and with what Tracy says here. Lists aren't important to me - but learning how to do the job is what is important, and that is what you are providing.
Donna G
Ditto. I was so excited to start down the path of coding until I started looking into local and online programs. None of them seemed like they'd prepare me to get into coding directly with recognizable credentials, or I'd have to pay an arm and a leg to do it. And then I found Andrews! Was so relieved and excited to find this program! STILL am excited about it and my future.
Of all the schools that I interviewed searching for a coding education, no recruiter mentioned a certification. They mentioned money and in some cases, lots of money (and of course loans).
Just before making my decision, I did a Google search on coding school reviews. Andrews was the only school that had no negative reviews. It was all so positive. I then searched on Andrews School and emailed Linda. She gave me more information in that little email than I had gotten from 6 thirty minute phone calls.
I am very happy with my decision - the instructors are fabulous. Everyone is responsive and you are not left hanging....approvals matter not to me. If I get certifications and jobs, I'm good.
I did A LOT of research before choosing Andrews, and I couldn't be happier with my decision! My choice also came from the lack of negative reviews, and from the confidence I got from speaking briefly with Linda on the phone. Andrews doesn't need those lists when it has such an excellent reputation and instructors to match! Plus the interaction among students and staff on these forums keeps me going when I need that extra push. Keep up the great work, everyone! :)
Don't change a thing! Your way of doing things is why I chose Andrews, as well as the high certificate test pass rates and employment coding test pass rates. I also did not want to have an education where I was only ready to take the CCA, that's just not good enough for employers nowadays. I wanted a school that would prepare me for the CPC and CCS tests, and to jump right into employment without needing to be trained to code. I'm 46 years old, and I want to be fully ready to get right to work in coding, not have to be trained on the job again, like I was in transcription over 24 years ago (which was the best way to learn that profession for me).
I'm very glad I chose Andrews, even though I'm only in Section 4 of Module I right now.
I am in complete agreement with everyone on this forum. I have a BS degree in Education that is completely useless. It is a long story, but basically I was given terrible advice. To this day I am highly suspect of all "higher" education. I do not want to spend one cent of my hard earned money supporting what I feel is a broken system. I feel VERY confident that I am getting my money's worth here at Andrews School. I feel even more confident after reading Linda's forum. Thank you for having integrity. Thank you for not being a person who mindlessly follows the heard, as so many others have done. It is not broken! It does not need fixing! And, I am so tremendously grateful that I found your school!