Hi fellow classmates!
I'm totally new to this crazy, particular, detailed coding thing, I'm in Module 1...one huge lesson I am learning is: READ EVERYTHING! and look up everything. Has anyone else discovered anything else that would help??? :)
Hope everyone is having as much fun as I am learning this. I know some of you have some other experience in the medical world so I am assuming this is easier for you than a total newbie? Any great advice would be appreciated!
Deb S
Hi Deb,
The best advice is to follow the directions that the instructors give you! Sometimes it seems like it is tedious work but it is with good reason! And you are totally right! Read those directions! If you are like me, you need to read them SEVERAL times!
Also, with no medical experience, get a good medical dictionary or have one open on your computer to refer to!
Best of luck to you!
Marie
Hi Marie!
Thanks for the pointers. How far along are you in this program? Are you thinking about certifications when you are finished? How do you plan on preparing for the certs? I know I am barely started in my course, but I do not want surprises at the last minute...any information that ANYONE wants to share is so appreciated!
Best of luck to you, as well Marie! Keep me posted on how things are going for you.
Deb
Debbie,
Just want to reiterate that the best thing to do is follow your instructors' guidance carefully. Make sure you do the exercises and the assignments, even the ones that aren't being turned in or being graded (pre-Moodle, we had many more that we had to turn in for grading but it was a great way to keep on track).
Don't get ahead of yourself, this is not easy stuff. We are all planning to prepare for the certifications, and Andrews is one of the best preparations for it. We're all working toward that goal, and you have a lot of material to absorb! Also, don't worry if the exercises in Hazelwood (and later, kuehn) seem really hard -- they are -- they are aimed at students at a higher level than us, but it serves an important purpose to give them a good shot. At the same time, don't be discouraged if you can't get them all.
Also, just from my own experience, you will really need to fire up on all cylinders to get through Module 2, so make sure you clear the decks well beforehand.
Best of luck to you!
You definitely need to have a good sense of humor. A lot of the times you may find things will border on the ridiculous :)
Like everyone else has said, read everything carefully. Pay attention to each word. I'm a very fast reader so I have to really make myself slow down to take it all in. If I don't, I tend to miss important clues.
I also keep a notebook and pencil to write down what I think are the important words in an exercise, then tick them off as I read possible answers. It keeps me from missing vital information.
When in doubt, ask questions! Don't wait till the last minute to shoot off an email to the instructors. This course would be much more daunting without all the help from Sue and Debby. You are the awesomesauce, ladies.
I'm heading down the backstretch of Mod III and I've loved the experience of this course. This week I'll be getting my association memberships and scheduling of certification exams in line. What amazes me, is that I look forward to putting in my study time every morning - other than my painting, I can't think of much else in that category.
Good luck!