General Transcription Training

Transcription turns audio files into type-written documents.

Transcription is the act of turning audio files into a typewritten document. Typists work across a number of fields converting audio transcripts of medical examinations, radio shows, shareholder meetings, legal proceedings and company briefings or conference calls. The typed documents may be filed away in company records or posted online and distributed for public review. Many individuals are interested in transcription work and might seek training to improve the chances of securing a position.

Local College Courses

Transcription or dictation courses are often offered through colleges and universities.

Transcription or dictation training is often offered as part of business course listings at many universities, community colleges and community education extension courses. Transcribing has been utilized in offices and businesses for decades to transcribe a record of meetings or dictate letters and business correspondence. The course will generally provide training on transcribing or dictation machines, deciphering speech patterns and proper form of the type-written pages.

Online Training

Transcription training courses can be found online to learn general transcription.

There are many companies that offer transcription training, which can be purchased and accessed online right from a home computer. A student will be provided with recommendations on equipment and ergonomic desk setup prior to the training start. Training typically consists of sample audio, which will be typed as the student listens. Training should also encompass the proper formatting for paragraph breaks, punctuation and page numbering. Consistent practice can help increase speed and accuracy.

Company Training

Transcription training will require time spent becoming familiar with audio files to be transcribed.

Many transcription companies that offer employment positions to transcribers will also offer in-house training. A manual will likely be provided, which will outline the document style format preferred by the company. Company preferences may differ slightly from generally accepted standards in the transcription industry, but a candidate will need to adhere to the rules given in training. Audio files will also be provided to allow a trainee to practice and become familiar with the different types of transcription jobs the company handles.

Self Training

Simply transcribing television or radio conversations can be valuable transcription training.

Transcription work is not difficult to pick up even without formal training. Anyone with a computer or typewriter can begin learning transcription. Just listening to the radio or watching TV can become valuable training time. You can open a Word document on the computer and simply begin transcribing what you hear.

Required Skills

Good hearing ability is important to the success of a transcriber.

Highly specialized skills are not required for transcription training other than a solid typing ability with fast speed and few errors. A candidate will need to have a good ear for language and excellent hearing ability to decipher words that may be mumbled or unfamiliar as part of slang and specialized industry terminology. Specialized transcription in the medical or legal field will require specific training focused on the terminology and formatting for those fields.

References

• Transcription Schools: Transcription Schools
• Transcription Certification Institute: Training Information
• Zoom Transcription: General Transcription Training