Transcriptionists often work in offices of lawyers or doctors.
Transcriptionists are the individuals who record oral presentations in a text format. For example, if a lawyer is dictating information, the transcriptionist types it as the lawyer speaks. Depending on the specific job, it requires training to begin working as a transcriptionist, who must type quickly and accurately.
Education Requirements
The education requirements vary depending on the type of transcriptionist. For example, a medical transcriptionist must have either a two-year associate's degree or a one-year certification program with training in medical terminology, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A legal transcriptionist, on the other hand, would need to understand legal terminology instead. Most transcriptionist positions will require a minimum of a certification as proof of training.
Job Options
Transcriptionists can work in the medical field, legal field or as a general transcriptionist for any doctor, lawyer or professional who does not have time to type out information and edit it. As a beginning transcriptionist, starting out either as a medical or legal transcriptionist is ideal because it does not require knowledge of multiple fields, thus it does not require classes in other terminology.
Nature of Work
A transcriptionist primarily works on typing information as dictated to her, usually via a recording. She must type the data, correct punctuation and use proper spelling. When the transcriptionist becomes an expert in the field, she might check for mistakes in the information dictated by the doctor or lawyer, such as inconsistencies in a report. Beginners in the job should never correct information given by a doctor unless directed by a senior transcriptionist or unless she has checked with the doctor. Some transcription positions might require reception work as well, especially for those working in an office.
At Home Opportunities
Transcriptionists who work at home must have some experience in the field, usually around two to five years depending on the company, though some companies will accept as little as one year of experience. Newly graduated transcriptionists must work in a doctor or lawyer's office first before they can start working from home.
Wage
Starting out as medical transcriptionist varies in wage depending on the location. In general, a new transcriptionist will make around $10 per hour or more. The Bureau of Labor statistics states that the average wage for a medical transcriptionist is about $13 to $18.50 per hour after becoming experienced, with the low wage around $10.75 per hour.
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