If you are looking for work from home job and make money online using your spare time, transcription jobs might be perfect for you. Furthermore, you don’t need any special skills or prior experience to become a transcriptionist.
Transcription jobs are broadly classified into three categories. They are medical, legal, and general transcription. For medical and legal, you must have the knowledge and previous experience in the industry.
However, for general transcription jobs, no such experience is required. We will focus on general transcription jobs in this article.
Before we dive into the finer points, let us first understand what actually is a transcription job.
What is Transcription?
In simple language, transcription is a process of converting video or audio files into written documents. Often companies hire independent contractors for transcribing their large audio files as it saves a lot of money and time.
To become a transcriptionist, you must have a good knowledge of the language and typing skills. Companies that hire transcribers generally take an assessment test of your skills.
As mentioned earlier, transcription jobs are classified into medical, legal, and general. General transcription jobs generally revolve around converting audio-visual interviews, meetings, keynote speeches, academic lectures, and similar stuff.
How Much Can You Earn from Transcription Jobs?
Most transcription job providing company’s payment structure is based on pay per audio minute or hourly basis. The rates vary from company to company. Furthermore, experienced transcribers are generally paid higher than beginners.
For example, if the rate is $25/ hour, this means you’ll earn $50 for every hour of audio you transcribe. You can maximize your income by finishing the tasks at a faster rate.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, general transcriptionists on average earn between $10 and $20 per hour.
Here are the 5 Steps to Become a Transcriptionist Online
1. Select Your Niche
Broadly there are three types of transcription jobs that are in good demand. They are general transcription, medical transcription, and legal transcription.
If you are a beginner, it is advised to try general transcription jobs. It is easier to get and has a low barrier to entry. It includes typing audio recordings of lectures, dictations, conference calls, podcasts, webinars, and speeches.
On the other hand, medical and legal transcription jobs require specialized training and knowledge. This type of transcription job needs certifications and state licenses. Also, you must know the complex jargon of the trade. However, you will be paid more for these types of work compared to general transcription jobs.
2. Get the Required Skills
Accuracy in typing is the most important skill that job providers look for. Having an error-free and fast typing ability will surely be a big plus. in addition, listening skills and good command of the language, mostly English is a must.
3. Buy Equipment
You will be required to have an updated computer with a fast internet connection. Tools like headphones and foot pedals are a must.
Though most companies will provide their own transcribing software, it is better to have your own transcription software. More so, if you want to work as a freelance contractor. Software like Express Scribe can be downloaded for free.
4. Get Certified
You don’t need to have a college degree or a specific certificate to do general transcription jobs. But, for medical and legal transcription work, having requisite qualifications and certifications is mandatory. There are many colleges and vocational institutes that offer such training and courses.
If you are looking to learn online from the comfort of your home, Transcribe Anywhere is a good place. They offer a mini-course for those who want to learn general transcription.
Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity offers certification for upcoming medical transcriptionists through programs like Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) or a Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS).
For legal transcription certification, you can visit the official website of The National Court Reporters Association. They offer certification as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR).
5. Where to Get Transcription Jobs?
The online transcription job industry is often riddled with scams. Many beginners get scammed as fake companies lure candidates with big income opportunity offers. One piece of advice, in general, is not to sign up with companies that look for registration fees.
Based on our experience, we list down below the top genuine transcription job companies that actually pay.
a. Transcribe Anywhere
If you are serious about making a career as a transcriptionist and making money, subscribing to Transcribe Anywhere can be a good starting point. They not only conduct transcribing courses but also helps you in starting your freelance transcription business.
They teach you how to transcribe in the most effective way through various learning modules. In addition, aspects like getting clients, fixing the right rates, and much more are covered in the course.
b. TranscribeMe
TranscribeMe is a legitimate and popular transcription job provider online. You need to register and attend a transcription course conducted by them. After finishing the course, you will be asked to go through a short exam. Successful candidates will then get access to live jobs from the platform.
The company pays $15 per audio hour. No prior experience is required. You’ll be paid weekly through PayPal.
You can also check:
c. BabbleType
d. ScribeCare
e. Quicktate
f. ASC Services
g. SpeakWrite
Other than general transcription, medical and legal transcribes are also in good demand. However, you must be adequately trained for those specified job assignments. In the United States, a medical transcription typically makes around $ 40,000 a year.
Suggested Read: Top Work At Home Transcription Jobs
As you get more experienced, you will surely command better hourly rates as most companies look for a professional transcriptionist who can get the job done most effectively.
About the Author: 99businessideas.com led by Rupak Chakrabarty is committed to helping beginners, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in starting, managing, and growing their business. Our aim is to educate the entrepreneur on the various stages of entrepreneurship.
