Definition of a Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists use keyboards to transcribe dictations.

Transcriptionists work in many industries. The most popular industries for transcriptionists are medical, legal and general. Medical transcriptionists work for individual doctors or hospitals, while legal transcriptionists perform court reporting duties, work for legal firms or in another legal capacity. General transcriptionists usually perform duties for major companies, transcribing conference calls, interviews or earning calls.

Function

A transcription must type or transcribe spoken words from dictation, meetings or other forms of recorded words. She must recognize, interpret and evaluate inconsistencies, discrepancies and inaccuracies in spoken word and revise and edit for clarity. The transcriptionist works with different dialects and accents. They must transcribe information according to the client format preference. She might have to use references at times to verify company, brand or medication names. Transcripts must be completed as accurately as possible as they can become apart of permanent or public records.

Education

Educational credentials vary for transcriptionists. A general transcriptionist may just need to have a certain typing speed, while medical transcriptionists usually have a medical transcription certification through a vocational program or an associate's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Whereas legal transcriptionists may also complete some form of vocational or undergraduate college training.

Ability

The transcriptionist exhibits detailed listening ability in order to transcribe accurate information into reports. Medical transcriptionists have the ability of recognizes medical terminology. Legal transcriptionists identify legal terms and jargon accurately and general transcriptionists are able to recognize business or corporate terminology. In general, the transcriptionist has the ability to operate word processing programs, dictation and transcription equipment such as headsets and foot pedals. Professionals in this field are able to work independently without supervision. They also have the ability to concentrate and work under pressure and time constraints.

Skills

The transcriptionist has skill in eye-hand and auditory coordination. He has written and oral communication skills. This includes use of the English language with emphasis on grammar, punctuation and style. The transcriptionist is skilled at the general guidelines and practices for his particular transcription industry.

Salary and Occupational Outlook

Wages and salary vary for individuals performing transcription duties. As beginner transcriptionists earn at the lower end of the pay scale while more experienced, certified or transcriptionists working in different industries earn at the higher end of the pay scale. According to BLS, as of May 2008 a medical transcriptionist in the United States earns about $15.41 an hour. Wage ranges are $13.02 to $18.55. BLS also states medical transcription opportunities will grow 11 percent by 2018 due to the aging population.

References

• Bureau Labor Statistics: Medical Transcriptionists
• American Association for medical Transcription: Medical Transcription
• Educational Portal: Court Transcriptionist