Anyone know of US Career Institute??

[eileen20]

Hi,

I am interested in this school and would like to hear some opinions on it before I decide to enroll. They are also known as Weston Distance Learning.

www.uscareerinstitute.com

Thanks!

[Kyle]

Hi,
I could not find their accreditation in DETC, at least using their website you will have to call DETC and request accredidation information and compare the phone numbers, and address.

They also claim they are the largest distant learning institute It really does not sound reliable but better call DETC to get more information.

=====================

Hey, eileen20.
I checked your prior posts and it seems you are hooked up on this US career school.

I really think you should forget about that school even if it is accredited.
It calims that it has been a long time in the business and the domain was registered in the end of 2003.

It all looks like a scam to me, can somone else in the forum back me up on this?

[eileen20]

Hi,

I did contact the DETC and they confirmed that they are accredited. I was curious too when they didnt come up on the search. And maybe the domain registry is on 2003 because of the name change?? They were originally called Weston Distance Learning. The BBB has both companies listed as a satisfactory business and US Career Institute has had only 30+ complaints against them(of which the majority had been resolved) in the last 36 months while PF has more than 200(with only about a quarter of them resolved). Can you really judge a college on the BBB record??

I also found Penn Foster to be very pushy when they contacted me by phone after I asked them via email to send more information by regular mail. I finally told the woman who kept calling me that if I want to enroll I will contact them. I have also been inundated by mailings from them. Has anyone else experienced these problems?

I was more interested in the course outline from US Career Institute too as it seems more in depth then Penn Foster but I am beginning to rethink my decision. I am glad there is a forum like this to ask questions. :-)

Thanks for the help!

[Kyle]

There was a huge report on how BBB is unreliable in ripoffreport.com

As I said before I never studied there better get some comments from other users.

[mroden]

Dear Eileen,

Weston Distance Learning is a privately owned company that has been in business since 1981. It is headquartered in Fort Collins, CO and consists of the following three distance learning schools (correspondence schools):

- At Home Professions: Offers a program for students wishing to become Professional Medical Transcriptionists (a profession that allows you to work from home).

- US Career Institute: Offers programs for certification in a a variety of professions that do not require degrees, such as Accounting/Bookkeeping, Child Day Care, Fitness & Nutrition, Home Inspection, Legal Transcription, Medical Coding, Transcription, Claims & Billing, Massage Therapy, Office Administration, Paralegal, Personal Computing, Wedding/Event Planning, & Veterinary Assistant.

- McKinley College: Offers Associate Degree programs in Health Information Management (HIM) and Accounting and Business Management (ABM), with additional Associate Degree programs under development.

Every course offered by Weston is written by subject matter experts, in easy to understand language that makes learning fun and simple. All textbooks are published by Weston, and instructors, faculty and staff are accessible to all students throughout their courses and after graduation. Additionally, all Weston courses are accredited and the courses are quite affordable.

Weston strives to provide new skills to people who want a new profession, and who want to study at home without negatively impacting their bank accounts or their time with their families.

You can contact the Weston schools at:

- At Home Professions: 1-800-359-3455 x3330
- U.S. Career Institute: 1-800-347-7899
- McKinnley College: 1-800-766-9066

I hope this information helps you.

Martha

[joro]

Hi Eileen,

After doing research on US Career Institute, I have found I am very certain it is legit. I checked with the Department of Veterans Affair, who grant money to military for education (GI Bill). The Dept. of Vet Affairs do accept studies at US Career Institute and I believe if they do that it must be legit. My husband who is military called them and their website even say they grant for US Career Institute and even have certain people who only deal with admission/Gi Bill to go there.

Hope this was helpful

Joro

[mroden]

Dear smjacob,

I think before you or anyone on the list makes comments on the legitimacy
of any school, you should talk to someone who works there.

I am one of Weston's course writers and editors -- and yes, I can assure
you that the school is entirely legitimate, accredited and not "shady."

However, should you or anyone doubt my word, why not contact the school
and talk to an authority on the matter? I recommend Trish Bowen, the
Director of Education for Weston: TrishB@westondistancelearning.com

She'd be more than happy to tell you about Weston.

I'm amazed at how people badmouth an institution without doing thorough,
"in-person" research!

Martha

[belen]

I am taking the Medical Billing and coding class, I am very happy, the materials are clear, they arrive on time, and they are very helpful and follow up with you if you need something.
The payment is very convenient and so far for the past 6 months I have NO complaints.

[JohnDoe]

Dear smjacob,

I think before you or anyone on the list makes comments on the legitimacy
of any school, you should talk to someone who works there.

I am one of Weston's course writers and editors -- and yes, I can assure
you that the school is entirely legitimate, accredited and not "shady."

However, should you or anyone doubt my word, why not contact the school
and talk to an authority on the matter? I recommend Trish Bowen, the
Director of Education for Weston: TrishB@westondistancelearning.com

She'd be more than happy to tell you about Weston.

I'm amazed at how people badmouth an institution without doing thorough,
"in-person" research!

Martha

Well - this is an interesting perspective. Why do we need any forums, if we just can contact the institution in question and ask them directly? Hmmmm. Of course they will provide accurate information. Because if they did not, they would be lying, and no one does that? Or?

I find it a bit disturbing that an educational institution - that should encourage CRITICAL thinking - seems bewildered about a person not contacting them to find out if they have high enough standards.

Funny.

"Hello. Is this Rushmoore University?"
"Yes. It is".
"Just wondering if you are a good school, accredited and all?"
"Yes. Of course. We are the best."
"Thank you. Then I will enroll".
"See you then. Bye bye"

[St3phani3]

I am interested in Medical Transcription. I have been looking into a few different online courses, and the US Career Institute kind of stuck out to me. I agree with the last statment, if I were to call the school, of course they would say they were "legit" because who would talk badly about their company.

Anyways, any more info from those taking courses with this school would be great.

Also if anyone knows of any other schools that offer this program, that info would be great as well.

Thanks for your time :)

[scaredrain]

I am interested in Medical Transcription. I have been looking into a few different online courses, and the US Career Institute kind of stuck out to me. I agree with the last statment, if I were to call the school, of course they would say they were "legit" because who would talk badly about their company.

Anyways, any more info from those taking courses with this school would be great.

Also if anyone knows of any other schools that offer this program, that info would be great as well.

Thanks for your time :)

Hi Penn Foster and Ashworth University both offer Medical Transcriptionist programs. I would choose Penn Foster due to their reputation and the fact that their diploma programs are both regionally and nationally accredited:

http://www.pennfoster.edu/medtrans/index.html

Ashworth University:
http://www.ashworthuniversity.edu/programs/healthcare/yy/

Another program worth looking at is the medical transcription program at Blackstone Career Institute. This school is both RA and NA:
http://www.blackstone.edu/overview_medical_transcription.html

[Vvega]

I am also interested in taking a medical transcription course and came across U.S. Career Institue and googled it which led me here. One thing I'm not exactly sure of though is if it is a correspondence (mail) course or an online course which is what I am really looking for. Anyone know?

[Vvega]

The edit wasn't working so I am making another post. I was just wondering if anyone knows if there are any good online medical transcriptionist courses out there?

[jlripley123@hotmail.com]

I took the Certified Personal Trainer course throuth US Career Institute and felt it was substandard education. I could have taken a much more indepth and less expensive course directly from ACE itself. I didn't know ACE had an at-home study course or I would have done that instead. I have now had to take this one as well and I am out $500.00 Live and learn. Hope this post helps keep someone from the same disappointment I had.

[lilchu52]

Dear jlripley123,

You mentioned taking a home based course from ACE which was much more indepth and less expensive. Could you please direct me to ACE, their URL? I'm interested in taking the same certification or course as a Medical Transcriptionist.

Thank you

[johann]

Hi -

My apologies in advance to Jlripley123 if I'm being forward here - but I think I can help - a bit.

There are at LEAST two organizations known as ACE. One is the American Council on Education - They're the guys who, among other things, review and approve the content of college courses. But they themselves don't offer courses, as far as I know. They DO offer valuable guides and advice and their website is www.acenet.edu. It might lead you to a good school.

The other ACE is the American Council On Exercise - www.acefitness.org Since they DO teach and certify personal trainers, I'm presuming this is where Jlripley123 took the better course mentioned - and understandably, they don't have a course in Medical Transcription.

I hope this helps, and again, my apologies to Jlripley123 for butting in.

Johann

[Meloniey]

I took the Certified Personal Trainer course through US Career Institute and felt it was substandard education. I could have taken a much more in depth and less expensive course directly from ACE itself. I didn't know ACE had an at-home study course or I would have done that instead. I have now had to take this one as well and I am out $500.00 Live and learn. Hope this post helps keep someone from the same disappointment I had.

I was looking into the program through the us career institute...as well as ACE, I am so glad I found this forum.

Just out of curiosity though, how was the course substandard, and how did it compare with ACE?

I'd appreciate any feedback you have for me about both courses...thank you!

[lae0317]

Hi St3phani3,
I am currently taking this course. The material is very well written and easy to understand. Some of the quiz are can be done online and the the majority are sent in - since it makes sense if you are transcribing the audio's. I am in section 3 and it is beginning to be a little harder, so I have to study much harder. The tapes and tools (flash cards, tape recorder) helps alot. The only downfall is you have to purchase reference books that may be expensive (i.e. Dorland Medical and Drug Book). Otherwise I enjoy the challenge.

Thanks!

[Jasmine@Girl34]

I was thinking about U.S Career Institute...I sent for some info through the mail,
and it sounds like a good school.And I read the post that said something about Penn Foster....actually,I've had the same problem with them(i.e calling me constantly),and I was really put off by that.When I sent for info from U.S Career Institute,they haven't been hounding me.I got another info packet from them yesterday,but that's only been the 2nd one(not TONS like Penn Foster).
I'm going to call the school because I have a few questions,but I'm seriously
considering this school.Thanks to everyone who posted on this subject :)

[jzg0516]

Weston is also associated with At Home Professional and US Career Institute. A good friend of mine toke the Medical transcription program through At Home Professionals and felt it met her needs. She is now a private contractor with a medical transcription program. She looked over the curriculum outline provided by Career Institute and felt it was very similar to what she did several years ago. She recommended. I am now enrolled and will report back once I have completed the course.

[tonyaspl]

I am also looking to start the train at home program through US Career Inst. but I am interested in the Legal Transcription end of it. So far what I have researched, the company sounds completely legit but I wanted to know if anyone knows anything about the Legal Transcribing side of the program & if anyone has had any success with this business after the training has been completed.

[saj]

I checked out this institute by calling the Colorado Occupational and Private Schools, which they list on their application. I called the BBB. I felt the information I received was legit. I have previous college credits, which have been traditionally in the classroom. I really am concerned about the credentials that my certificate in Medical Billing and Coding will have in the business world. I'm studying at home, at my own pace, it just doesn't seem authentic to me. Can anyone advise me about the distance learning advantage?

Thanks.

[tmsdetroit]

Thanks for all the info. Does anyone have anything to add in regards to the Pharmacy Tech Program?

[kfrendz9]

I am looking into taking their medical coding course. They seem really good. I have had problems with pennfoster and hertzing harassing me all the time.
please let me know if anyone has taken the course and if it really was useful for getting a job.

Thanks

[Skjewell]

Everyone is either putting down these schools or talking them up. I want to know if there has been anyone that graduated and has achieved getting a job with this degree. That is the best way to tell if it is a good school, will people hire you. I have a medical office degree and no one will hire me so I completed wasted time and money. I need to make the right choice this time. Can anyone one help.

[Kyle]

Everyone is either putting down these schools or talking them up. I want to know if there has been anyone that graduated and has achieved getting a job with this degree. That is the best way to tell if it is a good school, will people hire you. I have a medical office degree and no one will hire me so I completed wasted time and money. I need to make the right choice this time. Can anyone one help.

It seems to me that anyone who has graduated and is now working won't be visiting this, or any, online ed site. They'll be working.

Here's a not so clean suggestion about what to do. Reveres your track. Contact people in the career field that you're interested in and ask them where they got their training. Just explain your situation and you'll be surprised at what you can find out.

Asking school representatives or online marketing drones will just continue to frustrate you.

[Susan]

My husband is interested in massage therapy and I noticed US Career Institute came up. This program requires hands - on knowledge so I want to find out much more about doing this type of program online. Any thoughts?

[Kyle]

My husband is interested in massage therapy and I noticed US Career Institute came up. This program requires hands - on knowledge so I want to find out much more about doing this type of program online. Any thoughts?

I always advise potential students to call the campus. This type of question really can't be answered online (here or by USCI). Call and talk to someone from their campus--have a written list of questions in front of you.

Then do the same with other colleges and universities that offer a similar program. Comparison shop.

[scaredrain]

I always advise potential students to call the campus. This type of question really can't be answered online (here or by USCI). Call and talk to someone from their campus--have a written list of questions in front of you.

Then do the same with other colleges and universities that offer a similar program. Comparison shop.

I agree with you 100%. The main things that I have figured out about US Career Institute is that its NA accredited by DETC, it offers similar programs that Penn Foster and Ashworth College offer, and they have payment plans.

Any questions about state licensing, acceptance should be taken up with the educational authority or licensing board of that person's particular state.

[Brooke88]

I stumbled upon the US Career Institute yesterday...I went to the DETC's website and found that you need to type U.S. Career Institute in order for them to be listed. If you do not include the periods after U and S nothing will register. I am currently researching this instution as well because I am also interested in their medical transcriptionist program. I have a contact in HR at a local hospital in my area (Pennsylvania) and I am in the process of asking her if this is legit and would be accepted by medical offices/hospitals. I will post again when I get confirmation.

[Kyle]

I stumbled upon the US Career Institute yesterday...I went to the DETC's website and found that you need to type U.S. Career Institute in order for them to be listed. If you do not include the periods after U and S nothing will register. I am currently researching this instution as well because I am also interested in their medical transcriptionist program. I have a contact in HR at a local hospital in my area (Pennsylvania) and I am in the process of asking her if this is legit and would be accepted by medical offices/hospitals. I will post again when I get confirmation.

Thanks for the investigation. We'll be waiting for your follow-up.

[Jane08]

I'm also interested in medical claims and billing course from US career institute. But i'm skeptical, at yahoo forum, there was someone like me, and other reply it was very useful by taking this course.
she said,'you will learn the basic knowedge about this course, but when u complete this course, you will NOT work at home, you will get the job but not biller.'
Overall, i don't think this course is as good as it sound.:rolleyes:
I don't know. :confused: So, if someone has take this course and get the job, can you share your experience with us?

[Jane08]

i gave up.

[mskatt]

I enrolled back in January of 2008 for the medical coding course. We have since been transferred twice and I have 3 very young kids so I never got around to starting the class. Well in August of 2008 I decided that the coding course was not for me so I changed courses to the paralegal one. I had no issues changing and just now started the classes in January 2009, so you can totally do it at your own pace. It is in fact accredited by DETC. I have not graduated yet (or got my certificate) but I have nothing but great things to say about them. The counselor I spoke with actually told me that the coding course isn't as likely to let you work from home as the paralegal one, but it also depends on your area. Just wanted to let you all know it is legit. :)

[Dennis Ruhl]

You know anyone with an e-mail address can sign up to this web site and post any message they want to. How do I know all you people boasting about this school don't secretly work for the school?

Sincerly, Suspisous poster

Interesting first post. How do we know the poster doesn't work for the competition? We don't.

[cynthia joffrion]

I like Capella. They are very good.

[jazz381]

Yes they are accredited....here's the link to check it out yourself. And they have an A+ rating with the BBB.....sometimes you might want to consider trusting the information. Copy and paste into your browser.;)
http://www.detc.org/search_schools.php?searchSet=true&category=A&subject=322

[gt60103]

I'm very interested in the Claims Adjuster program is there anyone out there that is or has taken this program and how is it working?

[Savannah87]

I like alot of you took time and did research on US career Institute and was stiil a little skeptical. I already work at a Hospital and was interested in taking the medical coding course.I decided to go and talk to some of the coders.Turns out one of them actually had a certificate from US career institute.She highly recommended them.She is making 16.23 an hour just with a certificate.I went home that day and enrolled. After 2 weeks I think the program is great! The materials are clear, They arrive on time.

[Vailhiker]

Jane 08, you posted someone on yahoo said you would not work at home after completing the course. How so? Isn't medical billing & coding something that can be done at home? They sell it that it is.

Does anyone know if they assist in finding a position? Which is more profitable, medical transcription or billing & coding?

[Soraya]

Hello everyone I read a lot about the US Career Institute did anyone try the online classes overseas?
Anyone that did the Fashion Merchandising course ? Will it boost the career ? Does it contain helpful information ? I trying to get on a new path in my career. How does the tests work ? How hard is the material and do you require a TOEFL to register?
Anyone who can answer ALL these questions I would be very thankful

[MikoMarcia]

Hi Everyone! I have been in their AA program for Accounting/Business Management for a little over a year now. I LOVE it. I wouldn't be able to get a degree if I had to go to a classroom because I have two jobs and a social life. I have learned a ton, and even though I am only done with my first semester, I have already gotten an entry level accounting job with what I've learned. I like that they send me all my books and I can call a teacher with questions. (My current teacher is very patient and has spent over an hour with me on the phone before to make sure I really understood what I was doing.)

I don't think distance learning is for everyone, but I think they're great. (And did I mention inexpensive?) Anyway- just my two cents.

PS- I worked as a biller/coder before and went to Concorde to get my degree because I wanted to work from home and just so you know... most of the jobs are in offices. I think transcripionists work from home more often. :-)

[katesnake2009]

I can assure everyone that U.S. Career Institute is a legit school. I've been enrolled in the animal care course for a couple months [I'm almost done!] and I have ZERO complaints. This school is extremely affordable and easy to follow. I deffinetley suggest it for anyone who wants to do online school. And I agree, you should do your own research before you start badmouthing any school...you should contact them directly rather than listen to crazies.

[spedishgirl89]

I am actually a student for the us career institute and i really like it. its easy and affordable and i can do it whenever i want. if i want to take a month of i can, no questions asked. so if your thinking about using the school, i think you should. its a good school.

[terri]

I recently completed the US Career Institute course in medical coding and found it to be a very pleasurable learning experience as well as feeling I had learned what I needed and the staff was extremely nice and very helpful. However, I feel misled about what transpires after the course. I don't feel that I was informed on the fact that you have to take the $300.00 CPC exam, $70.00 for the study guide to prepare for the exam and NOBODY in my area will hire a coder unless you have 3 years experience ALONG with the certification. Nobody in my area offers internship (unpaid) or will let you get some experience. I feel stuck. Right now, I'm unemployed and can't afford to shell out any more money. I was told about the AAPC and they offer a X-tern program which will allow you to get the experience (up to 3 mos. unpaid-then MAYBE they will offer you a job (or maybe not). Also, to become a member of the AAPC you have th shell out another $120.00. This, I feel for sure is just a money racket. I also contacted 2 coders that the names were given to me from friends, and they both pretty much said the same thing- IT IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT A FURTHER DEGREE AND MOST OF ALL.... EXPERIENCE! Does anybody know how to do this? all input will greatly appreciated!! Look forward for some advise.

[scaredrain]

I recently completed the US Career Institute course in medical coding and found it to be a very pleasurable learning experience as well as feeling I had learned what I needed and the staff was extremely nice and very helpful. However, I feel misled about what transpires after the course. I don't feel that I was informed on the fact that you have to take the $300.00 CPC exam, $70.00 for the study guide to prepare for the exam and NOBODY in my area will hire a coder unless you have 3 years experience ALONG with the certification. Nobody in my area offers internship (unpaid) or will let you get some experience. I feel stuck. Right now, I'm unemployed and can't afford to shell out any more money. I was told about the AAPC and they offer a X-tern program which will allow you to get the experience (up to 3 mos. unpaid-then MAYBE they will offer you a job (or maybe not). Also, to become a member of the AAPC you have th shell out another $120.00. This, I feel for sure is just a money racket. I also contacted 2 coders that the names were given to me from friends, and they both pretty much said the same thing- IT IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT A FURTHER DEGREE AND MOST OF ALL.... EXPERIENCE! Does anybody know how to do this? all input will greatly appreciated!! Look forward for some advise.

You should try to obtain a postition at the hospital in another capacity, maybe registration or billing, that way you are working at the hospital, have your foot in the door, and can obtain training as an employee. Another option is to take a course at a local community college's continuing education department and do an internship that way, hospitals always choose interns from local colleges first before anything else. My mom went this route, she obtained a diploma in medical office from Penn Foster and a coding certificate. She could not get training locally either, so she took a 65 dollar course at alocal community college, the hospital saw she was a local student and allowed her to intern.

[DonnaK]

I am actually almost finished with my Medical Claims and Billing Spe******t class that I am taking. I have had no problems and they are great to work with.

[chakra]

I would like to follow up on the following threads. I'm currently following USCI Medical Coding Course. So, I can speak for my experience. I'm in search of networking with other students. I'm also looking for more resources to help give me a better understanding of the course material. I tend to have alot of questions. The Instructors offer a 800 number and follow up on questions. They will call within the hour. I have an "A" right now, thou I'm more concerned with working in the field. Can anyone offer any advice? If you are further along?