Stethoscope question for MCC Students

[sasmith525]

I am starting the program at MCC in about a week and I still need to get a stethoscope(among other things). I am debating between the Littmann Cardiology III and the Classic II S.E. I know I can probably get away with the cheaper one, but I eventually want to specialize in pediatric oncology and the Cardiology can be used on pediatric and adult patients and seems to be a better quality item. Any advice on what I should purchase and possibly where would be much appreciated(as well as any advice on other essential items is welcome too)!

[WayneStateKatie]

I don't go to MCC but I debated between those two stethoscopes too.

I ended up going with the classic II SE and have been very pleased with my choice. Even though Littman's have that "tunable" diaphragm that works as both a diaphragm and a bell, I preferred having the option of the traditional bell with the II SE.

I hear WAY better using the actual bell than when I try and put the tunable diaphragm in bell mode. I have used some classmates' cardiology IIIs and must admit I hear better with mine than I do theirs (many have said the same thing). Plus I saved myself 80 bucks and had a greater variety of tubing colors to select from...

I ended up ordering mine online at allheart.com though shipping is quite costly if you're not going to be ordering anything else from them (plus they have HORRIBLE customer service and very rude representitives. I won't be ordering from them again) You can purchase both littman classic II SEs and Cardiology IIIs locally at any number of uniform stores and I'd recommend you do so in order to test both models in the store and see which one you hear better with and prefer.

Life uniform has them (there's one in utica and one in warren), scrubs and beyond stocks them (closest would be troy) and I'm sure whatever other uniform shops are on the east side may have them too. Your bookstore may also stock them. You'll pay a little more than online but you also won't have to pay shipping and won't have to worry about it arriving in time for classes.