Do you want a job you can do from home? One that pays well and lets you learn new things? If so, becoming a transcriptionist from home may be the answer!
Transcription is a great way to earn extra money from the comfort of your own home. In this guide, we’ll cover all of the basics, from what transcription is, the skills required, the best transcription software, and more.
We’ll also discuss the potential pay and other benefits, as well as how to get hired as a transcriptionist from home.
I. Introduction:
A. What is Transcription?
Transcription is the process of converting audio or video recordings into written documents. This involves listening to the recording and accurately transcribing its contents into a Wordpad.
It typically involves transcribing conversations, meetings, interviews, lectures, and other audio sources.
Many professions require transcription skills, including journalists, researchers, legal professionals, and medical professionals.
Additionally, businesses, organizations, and universities often need audio recordings transcribed for archiving, research, or legal purposes, making transcription a valuable skill.
B. What Are The Types of Transcriptionists?
There are several different types of transcriptionists, each specializing in a particular type of transcription. Here are they:
- General transcriptionists: They transcribe audio recordings of all types. They need to have knowledge of various subject areas and interpret different accents and dialects. General transcriptionists have a lot of job opportunities.
- Medical Transcriptionist: They transcribe medical records and reports. They require an understanding of medical terminology and interpreting medical dictation.
- Legal transcriptionists: They create written transcripts of legal proceedings like court hearings and depositions. They require knowledge of legal terminology and principles.
- Business transcriptionists: They are experts in transcribing audio recordings of business events. They need to have a solid understanding of business terminology and concepts. This includes meetings, lectures, seminars, and other corporate events.
- Academic transcriptionists: They transcribe academic events such as lectures, discussions, and interviews. They require an understanding of academic terminology and concepts.
- Media transcriptionists: They transcribe audio and video recordings of TV and radio programs and podcasts. They need to know media terminology and concepts.
C. Benefits of Becoming a Transcriptionist at Home
- Flexibility: Transcriptionists can enjoy the freedom to decide when, where, and how much time they want to invest in completing transcription work. This allows them to maintain a better work-life balance as they can fit the job around their lifestyle.
- No experience necessary: Transcription jobs require minimal qualifications, allowing anyone with basic computer skills and a good typing speed to become a transcriptionist.
- Variety of work: Transcriptionists work with audio and video files from different industries, including medical, legal, and entertainment. This makes the job interesting and provides a range of tasks to complete.
- Increased earning potential: Payment for transcriptionists is based on an hourly rate. By improving their efficiency and accepting more work, they can easily raise their salary.
- Lessened stress: Working from home can lessen the stress that comes with office politics and commuting. Transcriptionists can work at their own pace and in their preferred environment, providing them with more freedom.
D. What is the typical pay rate for a transcriptionist working from home?
Your earnings depend on the company and the job you do. Different companies and job types may pay different amounts. Generally, transcriptionists can expect to make between $10 and $25 per hour.
Some transcription companies pay per audio minute instead of per hour. The pay rate can range from $0.50 to $1.50 per audio minute.
This may seem small, but experienced transcriptionists can transcribe one audio minute in about four to six minutes of work time. Therefore, the hourly rate can still be competitive.
II. Requirements for Becoming a Transcriptionist from Home
A. Skills Required:
- Typing Speed: As a transcriptionist, you must have both speed and accuracy. A minimum typing speed of 60 words per minute is recommended, with few errors.
- Listening Skill: Transcriptionists should be able to understand and interpret what is being said in audio recordings. This includes paying close attention to detail and having great listening skills.
- Computer and Internet Skills: You should be familiar with computers and know the basics of using them. This involves familiarity with applications such as word processors, spreadsheet editors, and audio editors. Having search engine and internet navigation skills are also crucial.
- Time management skills: Transcriptionists must have good time management skills. They need to keep track of project completion time and manage their time effectively.
- Excellent written communication skills: The transcriptionist must have excellent written communication skills in order to transcribe audio into text properly.
- Knowledge of transcription software: The ability to swiftly and correctly perform transcription projects requires knowledge of transcription software, and a transcriptionist must be skilled in using all types of transcribing software.
B. Equipment & Software Required:
- Computer: A desktop or laptop.
- Reliable Internet Connection: It is a must as transcriptionists typically need to access audio files online.
- Transcription Software: It helps to make the job faster and easier.
- Foot Pedal: It is helpful as it allows transcriptionists to control the audio with their feet, freeing up their hands to type.
- Mid-Quality Or High-Quality Headphones: When buying headphones, consider getting ones with clear audio. They may be pricey, but they are worth it. Check out the Koss Porta Pro stereo headphones for a good option.
- Ergonomic Keyboard: Invest in an ergonomic keyboard since it is easier on the hands than a laptop's keyboard.
- An Extra Monitor: It is not required, but an extra monitor can speed up research activity by allowing you to jump back and forth between screens.
- Pro Version of Express Scribe: It helps you to transcribe audio and video recordings quickly. Though it has a free version, you'll need to upgrade to the Pro version of Express Scribe at some point.
- Text Expander: Text expanders allow you to use shortcuts for words and phrases, allowing you to type fewer keystrokes. You can start by using Microsoft Word’s built-in AutoCorrect. However, if you want to expand your capabilities, you can use paid expander programs such as ShortKeys, PhraseExpress, or Instant Text.
C. Qualification Required:
Usually, a high school diploma or equivalent is required to work as a transcriptionist. But, depending on the industry, you may require specialized training and/or certification in transcription. Transcriptionists also be familiar with basic computer knowledge and typing skills.
D. Transcription Resources Available:
If you're not keen on spending hours scouring through blog posts and YouTube videos to learn transcription, you should definitely try enrolling in a legit course.
This will not only save you time, but you'll also learn everything step-by-step.
Janet Shaughnessy's "General Transcription: Theory & Practice" course has helped countless students make a living through transcription.
This course provides you with the knowledge and skills to transcribe audio recordings successfully, and it's divided into six modules, each focusing on a different aspect of transcription. You can take a look at the full syllabus by clicking here.
But don't just take my word for it; here's what some of their past students have to say:
I am a homeschooling mom to six cute kiddos and wife to a wonderful husband. I found this transcription course when looking for a way to supplement my husband's income. I was excited to find something I could do that would use some of the skills I've improved upon while teaching my children. The course was an easy read and provided me with exactly what I needed to break into the transcription business. I am immensely grateful for the 60 + sample files that gave me the opportunity to learn from my mistakes. I would not have wanted to make the same mistakes on paid work. The knowledge and experience I'm gaining from transcription is helping me to better teach my kiddos as well!
If you are looking to get into transcription, this is a great course to buy. It gives you a true look at the business and what you are getting into! I bought and completed the original course in Jan 2010 and by May 2010, I was hired by several companies, and have as much work as I could ever want. In my opinion, this is worth every penny.
I highly recommend General Transcription: Theory and Practice! I had never transcribed anything before taking the course; however, I found the course to be a simple, quick process while giving a thorough understanding of general transcription. Janet was great throughout the whole process and was available to answer all of my questions. Less than one month after completing the course, I had already been hired for my first job!
Thanks again!
If you're interested in learning more about this course, simply click below.
Free Training Workshop
No doubt, investing in a course is a big decision when you're on a tight budget. So, why not start with a free training workshop?
As part of their main course, Jannet provides a FREE training program that will jumpstart your transcription career.
This is the perfect training for people who want to build their own businesses using their typing, writing, and editing skills.
You'll learn:
- Why is transcription in high demand?
- Discover the people who utilize transcriptionists, the skills needed to become one, and the essential factors for your success in this field.
- The biggest myth out there about transcription
- Top ten factors to discover if the transcription is a good fit for you, how to improve for success, and much more. You can explore all the topics by clicking here.
So, what are you waiting for? Click the below button to register.
III. Where to Find Online Transcription Jobs and Clients
A. Online Companies, Forums & Job Boards
There are many lists of companies that hire transcriptionists on the Internet. You can look at my post to find out about some popular online transcription companies. There are also some transcription companies that don’t require experience.
It’s fairly common for transcription companies to require two or more years of experience, but these companies will hire beginners if you pass their test.
You can also find a list of companies to work with on transcription forums such as TranscriptionEssentials and TranscriptionHaven. These forums are free to join and open to anyone.
Lastly, make sure to check online job boards like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and Guru. These boards typically list job openings from transcription companies and services and provide a detailed description of the job requirements and qualifications.
Job seekers can easily search for openings and apply for positions they are interested in. Job boards often have reviews and ratings of companies and services. These reviews and ratings can be useful for job seekers to make informed decisions.
So overall, identify the specific company you’re interested in and do some background reading on it before applying.
B. Start Networking
If you're a transcriptionist, then networking is a crucial tool for building relationships and finding clients.
To begin, consider joining professional organizations in your field. Doing so allows you to network with other experts in your field and keep up with recent trends.
Also, don't forget about LinkedIn and Facebook groups related to transcription; they're amazing resources for making connections and building relationships with potential clients.
And don't ignore the power of word of mouth! Connect with individuals who have previously utilized transcription services or those who may be interested in hiring a transcriptionist to spread the word about your services. This way, you can increase your visibility.
Utilizing networking opportunities can aid in developing relationships and acquiring clients, which can lead to business growth.
IV. Conclusion
Transcription work from home is a great way to earn extra income while enjoying the convenience of working from home.
With the proper skills and resources, anyone can become a transcriptionist from home and make a living doing what they love. The process may seem daunting, but it's a fantastic opportunity to work from home.
If you're interested in learning more, sign up for free training to expand your knowledge.