How to Type for Transcription Services
Transcription involves listening to dictated recordings and transcribing them into letters, documents or other types of material. Transcriptionists listen to these recordings on a headset, while using a foot pedal which pauses the recordings when necessary. They type what they hear into a word processor or computer. Transcriptionists may work in careers such as medical transcription, court reporting and news reporting. They may also work for transcription companies who transcribe messages. A career in the field of medical transcription is the most desirable, according to the United States Department of Labor. You can work at home, in a hospital or a physician's office.
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Instructions
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Receive training at a community college, vocational school or a distance learning program. You either have the option to complete a one-year certificate or two-year degree. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and legal issues.
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Brush up on your computer and writing skills. Both of these are important to have in the field of transcription. Take English and keyboarding classes at your school.
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Seek on-the-job training. Shadow other transcriptionists at a hospital or physician's office. Some employers prefer hiring transcriptionists who have experience under their belt. Your school could also set you up with an externship program.
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Become certified. You can either become a Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) or Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT). Those with less than two years of experience can become Registered Medical Transcriptionists, while those with over two years experience can become Certified Medical Transcriptionists.
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Build your clientele. Advertise your services on Craigslist or MedicalTranscription.com. Both of these websites are free services you can use in selling yourself.
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Submit your resume. Try free job search websites such as Monster or CareerBuilder. This could help broaden your job search. You can also try medical transcription websites such as MT Jobs and Health Careers Network.
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Tips & Warnings
Acquire the equipment. You will need a headset, foot pedal and transcription machine.
Gain experience by volunteering or shadowing other transcriptionists in a hospital or physician's office.
Medical transcription is not for everybody. Accuracy and the ability to concentrate are key requirements.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit typing image by Snezana Skundric from Fotolia.com
