Pitman Training, experiences and costs?

_Roz_

Hi all,

I've been looking at the Pitman Medical Secretary, PA, and Secretarial Diplomas. From what I can glean on Google, I can expect to pay in the region of €2500-€3500 for these courses. Pitman themselves, after three emails, refuse to give me any information and request I go in to meet them, but I'd really rather have at least some ballpark figures before I meet them.

Anyone done/doing any of these courses?

I'm also looking at CMIT's Medical Terminology and Admin online course which is €300 for 150 hours of stuff and a Level 5 QQI component qualification. Pitman say on their site that a couple of the diplomas have AMSPAR qualification, but again three different people on their customer support email couldn't confirm this for me, so I'm wondering if I'd be as well off going with the one that's definitely registered on an Irish framework, which I can add to down the line with as and when I need/want to, working towards a major award or something.

Sonics2k

_Roz_ wrote: »

Hi all,

I've been looking at the Pitman Medical Secretary, PA, and Secretarial Diplomas. From what I can glean on Google, I can expect to pay in the region of €2500-€3500 for these courses. Pitman themselves, after three emails, refuse to give me any information and request I go in to meet them, but I'd really rather have at least some ballpark figures before I meet them.

Anyone done/doing any of these courses?

I'm also looking at CMIT's Medical Terminology and Admin online course which is €300 for 150 hours of stuff and a Level 5 QQI component qualification. Pitman say on their site that a couple of the diplomas have AMSPAR qualification, but again three different people on their customer support email couldn't confirm this for me, so I'm wondering if I'd be as well off going with the one that's definitely registered on an Irish framework, which I can add to down the line with as and when I need/want to, working towards a major award or something.

Don't quote me on this, but I believe this lots 'diplomas' aren't worth the paper they're written on.

Roger Hassenforder

If they aren't QQI recognised and you'd like to work in Ireland walk away...

The White Feather

I remember asking by email about their computer courses and got the complete run around just like you.I couldn't get a price out of them or much information either.

Eventually I went down to them and they gave me the full sell on how great the course was and everything. This was for about 30 mins. I kept on asking about the price and at the very end they said they were in the region of 2500-35000 depending on which one. They said they were almost certain I would get a job out of it once I passed and would help me to get a job in it.

The one they kept talking about was the dearest :rolleyes:

I thought it was all too dear and I remember asking were the courses accredited. They just said that I would have no trouble getting a job once I passed it.They didn't say they were accredited but they didn't say they were not. They seemed full sure that I would get a job out of their courses.I was left a bit bamboozled and just thought the whole thing was too dear.

I left and they were emailing and calling my phone for a few weeks after that. They were asking did I have any more questions and would I like to go ahead with it.I felt a bit harassed!

Be interesting if anyone here went ahead with their courses.

Read that as pintman, am disappointed

_Roz_

Thanks everyone for your input. I had decided against them before I came back to reply to this thread (been doing lots of research) and am very happy with the (fully QQI recognised) courses I've chosen to do elsewhere.

Moral of the story for me is - if you inquire and get a sales pitch instead of answers, run. Just run.

Milly33

Had the same experience as white feather.... Was disappointing really.. I was already in the admin role and was just thinking id do a course on something differant maybe medical, legal etc. Sent Pitman an email asking about prices, got a reply saying please can we call. I said no just tell me the price as that was my main concern.. They kept it up, so I eventually caved and gave them my number.

They were annoying to be honest and full of false hope. Arranged to go in for a meeting with them, and it was a complete waste of theirs and mine time.. The courses were a ridiculous completly unaffordable. They said on the phone that you could swop bits and pieces of course but of course no the ones you want... I dont see how anyone does these courses, seems more like a scam..

Might be worth keeping an eye out on the courses that some of the secoundary schools are running, they are qualified and just as good and a lot less. Also tip for you if you see a course on legal secretary go for it, major shortage in Cork

_Roz_

For anyone interested, I discovered CMIT and The Open College to both be great online/distance learning providers of QQ1 level 5 and 6 modules. Open College also does some Level 6 Major Awards, but for a lot of their stuff you do need to organize your own work placement to complete assignments. They're also super helpful though.

orthsquel

Roz you're a saint!

And thanks to everyone else who replied on this thread as I've been in the same boat and meant to ask about them too!

I had the same experience with Pitman who point blank refused to give me a price on 2 courses I was interested in doing unless I went for a consultation, at times that don't suit working hours. They were polite (just about) but short by email but very unaccommodating on arranging a consultation, despite explaining several times by email the restrictions on working hours and suggesting times I would be available. I got the impression that since I just wanted a price, they wrote me off as a time waster. They only offered 1 time slot, which was a take it or leave it situation and applied the pressure when I asked for an appointment for after work (that they're high in demand :rolleyes: and extremely hard to get) and not very open to arranging another or being flexible.

I spoke with someone else about it and they said if they're not going to give you a price for courses then probably best to look elsewhere. A career advisor recommended to me to try college of commerce for similar short (10wk) night courses for less than €300 when they next come around.

Milly33

glad the OPs post is reaching out then as it is a shame they waste peoples time...

_Roz_

orthsquel wrote: »

Roz you're a saint!

A career advisor recommended to me to try college of commerce for similar short (10wk) night courses for less than €300 when they next come around.

Happy to help! I am also looking at the Coll of Comm courses, they start in October. There's a full brochure listing tons of courses on their site for Autumn 2017 in their night course section. I'm definitely doing at least one as it will substantiate the one I'm doing online atm. Might do others, depending on finances.

_Roz_

_Roz_ wrote: »

Hi all,

I've been looking at the Pitman Medical Secretary, PA, and Secretarial Diplomas. From what I can glean on Google, I can expect to pay in the region of €2500-€3500 for these courses..............

You can become a QFA (level 7) for €1800 ............. I wouldn't reckon the Pitman courses are worth the paper they are written on.

The PA where I work has a BA iirc.

Sahrs15

Hi

my name is Sarah and I work at the Pitman Training centre here in Cork.
I noticed your post and comments and wanted to answer some of the questions and concerns raised.

Firstly, we are registered with QQI (Formally FETAC) and our registered number is 38291C. We offer the largest range of courses of any provider in Cork so the syllabus and accreditation is dependent on the training programme configured for your specific training or career objectives.
For example, we also offer accreditation in CompTIA, Association of Accounting Technicians, Microsoft Office Specialist, Adobe ACA, Cisco CCNA and CCENT etc/

All our courses are also accredited for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and of course by Pitman Training with Certificates, Awards and Diplomas. Therefore, I think it is unfair and simply untrue to say that our qualifications "are not worth the paper they are written on".

Our focus is different to other training providers that offer inflexible, set training programmes. We focus on helping people reach their training or career objectives, hence why we ask people to visit our centre and meet with one of our Career Advisors (for free) if possible so we can help. We are proud of being totally honest and upfront with everyone at these consultations, and in fact we find that we often recommend that people do not train with us, or that they take an alternative approach (such as work experience or a new approach in
interviews) instead of further training, as our promise is to always recommend whatever is required to reach those career or training objectives.

This is our unique approach but it works. By sitting with each person that is considering training, we can configure and tailor a training programme that will ensure they reach their career objectives without wasting your investment (not just money but time!).

Regarding our fees, I'm sincerely sorry if some of you found this aspect frustrating or that we were unhelpful here, this is not our intention and I will discuss this with my colleagues. Because all of our training programmes are customised and tailored to ensure you reach your career or training objective, there are lots of options with all of our courses, so the fees will depend on the options you choose. For example, we have IT Technicians that train with Medical Terminology and after graduating progress to work in IT Roles in the Medical sector. So every course can be unique. Most of our training programmes include a range of options, including the level of training, as well as a range of elective courses, to ensure the training matches your current skills and career or training objectives exactly. We also offer a range of discounts - for example, we recognise certification such as QQI, MOS, CompTIA and ECDL, and if you’ve passed these exams within the last three years, we will provide you with a credit towards the course fees. With 450 courses it means we will usually have at least 2 or 3 training options for every subject.

Individual course modules start at €175 and our Diploma and Awards range starts at €900 so it means we can almost always offer a choice of training programmes to suit most pockets. We also offer instalment options, so fees can be spread out over a number months to help make more affordable. The average fee that is paid for our training is approx €1,700 but again this can vary greatly as depending on the training.

We know we are not the cheapest for many courses, but we confident our training is the best value for those that find our training meets their requirements. For example, we include absolutely everything in our fees (materials, support, distance learning access, career support, exam fees, admin fees, student card etc.) and as many of our courses can be completed in a few weeks, you need to factor the savings that being qualified and working in a new or better career so quickly can deliver.

Even during the recession years, we had Cork's highest training to employment rate, so our training programmes do work.

We would be the first to say that our training is not suitable for everyone, but we are one of the few training providers that will spend time with anyone considering a course to help, advise and support, so you can make an informed decision. Starting out on the wrong or an unsuitable training programme could be one of the most costly mistakes of your life, so we're unique in that we help you avoid that potential pitfall.

I hope this answers some of your questions and explains our approach a little better. If you have any questions or if you would prefer to contact me directly rather than contacting the training centre, you can PM me here and I would be happy to help.

Warmest regards

Sarah Williams

_Roz_

Sahrs15 wrote: »

Hi

Firstly, we are registered with QQI (Formally FETAC) and our registered number is 38291C. We offer the largest range of courses of any provider in Cork so the syllabus and accreditation is dependent on the training programme configured for your specific training or career objectives.
For example, we also offer accreditation in CompTIA, Association of Accounting Technicians, Microsoft Office Specialist, Adobe ACA, Cisco CCNA and CCENT etc/

All our courses are also accredited for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and of course by Pitman Training with Certificates, Awards and Diplomas.

Regarding our fees, I'm sincerely sorry if some of you found this aspect frustrating or that we were unhelpful here, this is not our intention and I will discuss this with my colleagues. Because all of our training programmes are customised and tailored to ensure you reach your career or training objective, there are lots of options with all of our courses, so the fees will depend on the options you choose. For example, we have IT Technicians that train with Medical Terminology and after graduating progress to work in IT Roles in the Medical sector. So every course can be unique.

Individual course modules start at €175 and our Diploma and Awards range starts at €900 so it means we can almost always offer a choice of training programmes to suit most pockets. We also offer instalment options, so fees can be spread out over a number months to help make more affordable. The average fee that is paid for our training is approx €1,700 but again this can vary greatly as depending on the training.

We know we are not the cheapest for many courses, but we confident our training is the best value for those that find our training meets their requirements. For example, we include absolutely everything in our fees (materials, support, distance learning access, career support, exam fees, admin fees, student card etc.) and as many of our courses can be completed in a few weeks, you need to factor the savings that being qualified and working in a new or better career so quickly can deliver.

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for your feedback.

I was actually very very tempted to go with Pitman at the beginning - I was going to go to a meeting, and was pondering long-term financial investment plans - but I was frustrated by the fact that the email enquiry team have (apparently) no job other than to convince people to meet a course co-ordinator who can answer your questions. None of my questions were answered across several emails. I asked about the basic, standard price for one individual, completely un-tailored module to get a general ballpark idea and was not given it. For tailored courses, of course anyone can understand the necessity of meeting to discuss, but I feel that hiding the basic, standard cost of individual modules is simply unnecessary and very off-putting - the old adage 'if you have to ask, you can't afford it' is often true and people are often cautious about such approaches in all areas of life. More importantly, I asked about QQI accreditation, and wasn't given an answer.

Instead, I opted to go with CMIT, who have all of their information readily available online, called me on the phone to discuss the course when I expressed interest, and are upfront about fees. No, they don't do tailored courses, but they DO provide QQI accredited courses, online, for far less hassle than Pitman. Is their course better? I don't know - at the end of the day I still get the same qualification, it stills meets a national standard.

If someone on the Pitman customer service email system had outright said to me 'yes, our Medical Terminology module is QQI accredited' I absolutely would have gone for a meeting and would have discussed add-ons for a tailored course which also featured QQI accreditation, but that did not happen. I found googling the name Pitman far more useful, and what I gleaned is that A) there is a massive sales push from the company at meetings and training usually costs a couple of thousand on average.

If Pitman courses are QQI accredited, it is a massive oversight not to include on the Pitman module descriptions what they correspond with or contribute to. Ultimately, above all else, that was the deciding factor for me.

I'm still seriously considering following up with yourselves regarding Audio/Medical Transcription, as training for that seems difficult to find, but I suspect the cost will mean I have to wait a while.

Simply put, I have no qualms with Pitman, it was just too difficult to access the information I wanted and as such I went with a more open and direct alternative. Not to say your entire model fails, it obviously doesn't, you're a successful company - but as you've seen the same recurring comments here from multiple potential customers, it might be food for thought.

Sahrs15

Hi Roz
Just a little note to say we very much value the feedback you have provided to date and we have already implemented some changes based on it -it's really appreciated. I will PM you my details now and please contact me whenever suits, I promise to look after you.
Best regards
Sarah Williams

_Roz_

Just wanted to add to this thread - I followed up with Sarah from above and while ultimately Pitman's course didn't meet my needs (no QQI accreditation, which I need to pursue a Major Award), she was extremely helpful and did in fact source the course information and costs for me, as well as offering a discount. I genuinely can't fault her service or the willingness of Pitman to rectify my original dissatisfaction.

babygirlchloe

Hi ,

how did it go with CMIT ?

I've been looking into medical secretary diploma. I'm hoping to be fully qualified after the course. I have no idea what to look out for 🙈

I really don't want to spend mad money to not get a qualification out of it.

Thanks