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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Regarding Proficient Transcription, the owner still owes people money

Posted By: SM on 2006-09-09
In Reply to:

so her apology is lame. If you want to get your money you had better go straight to your local court and file a claim against her, because it doesn't look like she's planning to pay anyone back anytime soon.


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proficient transcription...sent them money...will I get work?
I was hoping this would be a great job.  Does this company actually give you work?  Really worried now.  Help!!!!
Medical Transcription Service Owner
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Medical Transcription Service Owner
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medical transcription service owner
 
Proficient Transcription
The other posters are right...do not pay to work! I came in contact personally with Proficient Transcription (got the tip from one of my former classmates) and it's a scam. Shareware is free. Two of my classmates paid for the "shareware" and it turned out it's something you can get for free...hence the term "shareware." Do not do it. It is a scam.
Proficient Transcription
Recieved a job offer today via email through this site. Has anyone else worked with them? Requires $99 startup fee for software and adding a user. Says it takes about a day to set up and start typing. Plus they offered a footpedal for me to use. Hoping its a good offer since I'm new and can't find a lot else. But just wanted some opinions. Thanks
Proficient Transcription
First of all, let me say thanks to the replies to my post. Secondly, After I posted this message, a couple days later I got an email from someone from "Proficient Transcription", letting me know that they had job openings and wanting to know if I was interested. I replied back, letting them know that I hadn't even started school yet, and since I had no knowledge of any medical terminology or medical transcription yet, why would they want me to work for them? They replied back saying they have had MT's in school and working for them before. Again, I am not even in school yet, so why would they want me to work for them? I got on Google and did a search for Proficient Transcription, and it brought me back to these boards. I saw a couple of posts about the "company", basically that it was a scam. I don't understand how these people sleep at night knowing that they are trying to take innocent people's money. It's downright pathetic. Shame on you.
Proficient Transcription

I am going to address the issues that were posted on this board.  First of all I have been transcribing for over 10 years.  I enjoy what I do and I support my family with this career.  I feel the need to defend myself after reading some of the posts.  A couple of my MTs have told me to just ignore the boards and dont worry about "feeding the trolls" .  However, I cant help it.  Staying silent is not in my nature.  I got into this business without any schooling and complete 100% on the job training and as a new mom it gave me a way to be at home with my children which is my number one priority.  You dont get into this line of work for the glory or the benefits.  I am a big believer in karma.  I was given a great opportunity by a great person and I wanted to give that back to the newer MTs.  A lot of times new MTs are caught in a catch 22 "No experience, no job" and "No job and you get no experience". I wanted to bridge that gap and help new MTs get their foot in the door.  However, I cannot do that at the expense of my own living.  I am not a large company and I cannot afford to "foot the bill" for equipment and start up costs for each new MT.  I dont think that asking someone to be responsible for their own costs is a big deal. After all no one is hired by me as an employee they are independent contractors.  As an independent contractor you are responsible for your own business expenses. 


I have prayed about this a lot and it is heavy on my heart tonight and I want to clear the air.  Someone is upset, that is fine.  You cant please 100% of the people 100% of the time.  Instead of directly addressing me he/she is using this forum as a public flogging.  Posting names is against the board rules I believe and invites more trouble, i.e. defamation and libel issues. 


Please search your hearts and support your fellow transcriptionists as we are all in this business together.   I cannot express enough how beneficial we can all be to each other if we just join together to get through issues instead of attacking each other. 


Proficient Transcription
Bad experience.  Promises, Promises, Promises.  I would NOT recommend doing any IC work for them.  OH!  wait, you can't do any work for her because she doesn't send you any work to do.  It won't be long and she will be seeing her business name on the BBB complaint list. If you were a reputable MTSO than why is there alot of negative on this board about you?  It seems to me it's not just one person that is not pleased! Do you have an excuse for that too?
Proficient Transcription
As of today this owner has not kept her word.  The Better Business Bureau develops and maintains Reliability Reports on companies in our service area. This information is available to the public and is frequently used by potential customers. In the case of your complaint, the company's failure to promptly give attention to the matter will be reflected in the report we give to consumers about them.   
Proficient Transcription is a scam - sm
I came in contact with Proficient Transcription too. I told them I was interested in a position, and asked what would they require from me. Expecting to get a reply of "take this test and then we'll review it and get back to you" I got "send $99 for shareware either with a money order or some type of cash card you can purchase at Walgreens." By the way, the shareware they want you to pay for is actually something you can download for free from the internet. Please, people do not buy into this scam and don't send this lady any more money! I'm glad the above poster smelled the rat.
Any update on those refunds from Proficient Transcription?
Just curious...
Info To File Complaint Against Proficient Transcription
This is just and FYI for those who are fed up with trying to get refunded from Proficient Transcription.
Complaints can be filed online with the following entities:
http://www.bbbwestflorida.org
or write to:
BBB @2653 McCormick Drive, Clearwater FL. 33759

The Federal Trade Commission
https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU01

Federal Trade Commission
CRC-240
Washington, D.C. 20580

FL State Attorney
http://myfloridalegal.com/Contact.nsf/ContactOpenForm&Sectionfiltered=Economic_Crimes

Office of Attorney General Charlie Crist
State of Florida
The Capitol PL-01
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050

Take action right away scammers have no rights to your money.


It's sad that people don't find out more about these courses before they slap down money
x
Proficient Transcription is supposedly a company but they charge you to work there (sm)
You should never have to pay to work.
This owner is a charlantan!
Charlantan - A person who makes elaborate and fraudulent claims to skill or knowledge. Not only does this owner not send work, but doesn't pay. Please believe this!!
As an MTSO owner.....
I will just let you know that in response to an add I ran for 2 MT positions, I received 50+ very good, qualified MT resumes...that is why no one will hire a newbie! I actually have 3 newbies that I am working with now on a small clinic account that I have. I will not put a newbie on an acute care facility due to the amount of QA that goes into that, but I will start them on my small clinic note facility to begin with and let them work up to the QA. That is my position on this subject...there are too few jobs for too many qualified experienced MTs out there, and there is a deficiency of work due to Nationals outsourcing work overseas..that's that, IMHO.
I did email the owner
a couple of weeks ago and asked her if I was doing okay. She said to keep doing what I am doing because I am doing just fine. That was before I noticed that they were all looking at my reports. I really like this company, and the people are all very nice. I guess I just need to talk to the owner again before I have an anxiety attack over this. Thank you.
You should contact the owner of that school and tell this to her.
(All of the "BIG 3" schools are owned/run by women.)

I'm sure they would appreciate knowing where their weaknesses are in training MTs.
What I want to know is why the VLC owner lives in Canada and is not allowed back in the U.S.?
nm
above post is a bunch of crap, posted by school owner obviously.nm
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Proficient Transcrption---FYI

Hi everyone.


I just wanted to share that I got my $99 refund from Proficient Transcription yesterday. I got it in the form of a money order. I believe this is a positive gesture on the owners part to ensure I have no hassels with cashing it. I'm glad I don't have to worry if the check will clear.


Anyone receive their refund from Proficient yet?

I haven't and really don't expect to. 


Money

 


What are the chances of making $35K yearly and still having your wits? That is really what I am concerned with. I live in South Florida and am considering this profession. I would like to make enough to supplement husband's income of $85K. However, I don't want to be so stressed out that I can't enjoy life, either. Is there a happy medium here?


money

Those are good ideas.


Its not that I don't have the money, I just have a hard time spending large amounts.  I can fritter away $100 here and there at Target and Walmart, but, phew, a $1500 check is hard to write. 


We actually have enough money in savings, IRAs and investments to live at our current standard for at least 18 months without either of us working.  Not that I would want to do that, but it could be done.  So, its not that I don't have the money, its just a matter of spending it. I'm sure you can tell that since we have almost 2 years of living expenses saved up in the bank (and we have about 30-35 yrs to go til retirement), we are kind of tight with spending money.


Thanks for the suggestions though. I do need to have a Yard Sale, as much to get rid of stuff as to get some cash on hand. I have a pile of childrens' clothes to take to the resale shop for some cash too.



Where is the money at?

I was wondering...do MTs make better money working for someone or having a business of there own?  Just wondering.  I realize being new I will not have my own business for a couple of years but will I be able to make a "living" until then?


Big name=big money when you-sm
can get the same elsewhere at much lower prices. This board and its members often advocate only three schools that charge more than the others and don't offer a lot more. Most companies don't even know these names and could care less as long as you have a certificate and are certified. If you look into these higher priced courses, the only thing different is that they might use the more expensive transcription tapes, that's about it. These courses, all of them, are basically taught by sending you a few books then it's up to you as an individual to make it work. You will see members of the big three schools advertising their wares left and right here and everywhere they see someone looking. They are out to make a catch, so don't be fooled by the nonsense you here about their grads being the only ones being hired out of school. That's total bull and being said their by their little advertising cheerleaders, as well as the owners themselves who have no pride or too much. They order a bunch of books, sell them to you at twice the price and sit back and rake in the profits.
The money isn't what it used to be, and
job security isn't what it used to be.

It might still be a good career for somebody who is especially suited to it. That is, someone who has outstanding skills in written English and has the time and money to to to one of the best schools (Andrews and M-Tec are two two IMO, and cost about $4000. Some people have reported it took them 9 months to graduate, just to give you an idea). He or she must be interested in constantly researching new things and learning every day. You need a great work ethic, especially if you end up working at home. It isn't easy to sit at a computer at home working when there are so many things at home calling for your attention. You need to be able to invest in books/CDs, computers, and equipment when necessary. There are many factors to consider. You should go to Monster.com. I think you can take little tests there to see what kind of work you are suited to. You'll be happier in your work if you choose something you will be good at.
No money for us
Simple....corporate greed. Make more money sending work abroad. It'll turn around, may take a while but once the first big law-suit happens, it'll turn around.
I never said she owed me any money.
nm
Before you spend your money -

Do tons more research before you spend your money, please!  I went to MTEC, graduated in 9 months, and have been working from home for more than 8 years now doing acute care.  I had recruiters banging down my door to test and was offered positions after every test I took.  The little medical backround you already have is nowhere near enough to be an MT, so get a SOLID education so you will not come back here at the end begging for someone to hire you for 2 cents a line.  Best of luck! 


Your money would be better spent on

coding and billing.  The MT profession is making less and less and having to work more and more.  A new MT has a hard time finding a job.  As far as boredom, it is what it is.  If you find sitting for hours with headphones while mumbling baboons try to put a report together entertaining, than this job is for you.  If not, select something different.  The top schools is where you want to go if you decide, but again, if I could start my career (been in this for 20 years), I'd go with the billing/coding.  It can be done onsite or at home, and all practices need these people to bring in the dough. You'll make more money at it anyway especially since new MTs make next to nothing. 


My living is a fair wage for the time and effort, but the effort is from having many, many years of experience.  A new MT will have to look a lot of words up which takes time away from production.


Good luck whatever you decide. 


P/S:  EMR will be mandated probably by the year 2015, so if you're young and smart, you'll choose another profession.  I hate to be that way but it's the truth.


If I were you, I'd want my money back from whatever MT course you took.
If you've had any decent MT training at all, this shouldn't have been any problem for you.
This is exactly what we tell people if only
they will ask their questions before plunking their money down for a course. And they get so mad at us. We would have told you that PCDI won't be enough education. We would have said you are going to be too busy and distracted to commit the necessary time to the job with 2 little kids. We would have said that trying to work from home from the start was going to be awful for your career (unless you went to one of two schools).

On top of that, there are other newbies currently looking for opportunities who are flabbergasted that you threw 2 away. Now 2 people who tried to help you are going to decide they won't want to waste their time on newbies again. That's not going to help the situation for others. Sorry if we aren't terribly sympathetic, but it is all so predictable.
and some people...
Unfortunately go to a really good college but because they are not connected to any national companies have to work harder to find an at home job. The reason I went to an actual college though is because I have now completed 1/3 of the classes needed towards other medical professions, such as nursing, in case I choose to go back. I'm not sure if the classes with Career Step, MTech, etc would transfer over like that.

I think MTs are still in high demand, it's just getting that first break to get into it. I'm enjoying my first job, but I would have liked to work alongside an experienced MT to see how they do it. I encourage you to contact your local hospital and see if you can meet their MTs and just get some feedback from them and maybe sit in and watch for awhile, it's amazing how some of them get so much done in so little time!
Don't waste your money. It's ridiculous
to think that you'll get an education for $12.00 or $50.00.

If you are going to invest money in something, invest it in some legitimate tapes at Medword or HPI.
Wasting your money and time
I am a recruiter and Editor and I have not had anyone from PCDI who could pass the test to be hired.  I even gave one person a chance because of her circumstances and she couldn't do the most basic of reports.   I've had resumes stating "I want an all American account because I have not been trained on foreign doctors."   It's a waste of money.  They don't prepare you for anything.
No money, wonderful place
I don't believe you have to register to use word help.  Response time depends on the question.  Some of us can figure out what you mean in minutes and some of us take a while and/or may never come up with anything.  It's a great place, though (thanks MTStars!!!).  Highly recommend you bookmark it.  Even if you feel it might be a silly question, just ask!  I was blessed to work in-house my first two years, and I was constantly asking for help! Good luck!
I'll believe it when I hear from others getting their money.
nm
I wouldn't let it rest til I got my money!
That is what the scammers want you to do, so they can get away with it and keep cheating other people.  She is asking an honest question that pertains to her problem, while at the same time keeping it in people's minds to look out for people like this. 
M-Tech wannabe...wish I could get the money together right now
I just finished 18 months training at a community college to become an MT and I am not marketable. The provided no books, no equipment, and only 3 months of actual transcription practice. It cost me 4 times as much as the M-Tech program and I walked away with nothing...now I'm back at square one. I've researched online schools and narrowed it down to M-Tech, but after reading the great posts about this school, I'm sold. I am not giving up becoming an MT.
but you certainly save money on travel
and perhaps on work clothes/food away from home.  When my son got to be about 8, the child care issue was no longer a problem. But when he was little, he would stand by my desk and say "Play with me" if I had no one to take care of him.
.. So others don't waste their time & money on the same course.
x
Pretty good money
You can make pretty good money as an MT, but it takes time. You might be ready posts from people who have only been in the field a couple of years. I read an article recently that gave a pretty accurate account of what can be expected for pay. It was called "How much money can you make as an MT" It was on the articles page of this website www.help4mts.com and there were other articles too if you have not gotten started. There are many factors involved in MT paid, i.e. inhouse, SE, contract, benefits, etc. Good luck.
Making decent money here.
I was one of those stay-at-home moms that wanted to make my own hours and earn a good living and I am doing just that. I have been an MT for 2 years now. I work at home while caring for my 3-year-old son. Yes, it is not easy, stressful even, but I make more money at home (close to $20 an hour) than I would make at a B&M job and I don't have to pay $1000 a month for daycare anymore. I have a completely flexible schedule and I work early in the morning while my son sleeps and during his nap times. If I have to, I work again in the evening to finish up work.

This profession is difficult and takes a lot of work, but what career that pays a decent salary doesn't. It is possible to make more than $4-8 an hour. It does not take years and years. I was up to $12 an hour after 6 months, comparable to what I made in my previous position, where I had been employed for 3 years.

Just because you can't make it in this industry is no reason to discourage others from trying.
Thinking about MT as 2nd job - extra money

Hi there - I have a very sound career holding a Management position making great money, however we are trying to pay off bills and I thought I would pick up a second job.  A friend told me about being a MT and at first I was kinda excited to start my research, then sites like this (some of the posts) have scared me.  HOWEVER there are a good number of success stories.  I think I may continue on, as this will not be my main job, just for extra income.


My question for all of you who are certified.  I keep reading about the BIG 3 schools.  I don't know who they are, but I was going to go to one of my technical colleges in my local area.  Is that a no no in the MT world?  I mean, it's an accredited school.  I'm just scared that when applying for jobs, they will want those that came from the big 3 that you all are talking about.


If anyone can share information I would greatly appreciate it.  Thx a bunch!!!


We don't hate our jobs. There's no money in it
anymore now that the corporations have taken us over & are offshoring our jobs. This field used to pay really well, but those days are over & it can be difficult to make minimum wage, especially on VR. Many MTs are trying to re-train to find other careers so they can actually make a living.
The same you seem to have to call people
stupid and fat and ugly and lazy and, and, and...! LOL


I agree. People are seeing here what
.
People, do yourself a favor...

Get a good education if you want to be an MT.  Though there are always exceptions, you need a very solid foundation on which to build your career.  I believe you get what you pay for with the MT schools.  Be aware that just "attending" the school does not promise success.  You need to actually DO all the course work, study, and battle your way through the SUM tapes to train your ear.  It is the ONLY way to train for this career.  There are no quick fixes for this.  You then need to be highly motivated and willing to put in lots of hard work once you graduate in order to continue learning and growing.  You also should have a very solid grasp of English as a written language and have excellent reading skills before you even embark on this as a career choice. 


This career is definitely not for everyone, so everyone should not assume that since they can type, like computers, or want to help people that they qualify and will excel at it.  Honestly assess yourself before you begin and save yourself lots of grief by choosing your career pathy wisely.  Just some friendly advice. 


I have heard of it - from all the people who took that course and can't get a job. NM
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