How to Become A Transcriptionist in 5 Steps: Follow these Great Steps to Get Started in 2023

How to Become A Transcriptionist in 5 Steps?

Looking for information regarding how to become a transcriptionist in 5 steps, you are at the right place. Keep on reading forward to learn more.

If you are someone who is looking for work from home jobs and make money online using your spare time, transcription jobs might be perfect for you.

The great aspect of this business is that you don’t need any special skills or prior experience to work as a transcriptionist.

Transcription jobs are broadly classified into three categories and they can be medical, legal, and general transcription.

For the medical and legal portion, you will require the knowledge and previous experience in the industry.

However, for general transcription jobs, no such experience is required by you and in this article, we will mainly focus on general transcription jobs.

Before we dive deep into the finer points, let us first understand what actually is a transcription job.

Exactly What is a Transcription Job?

In this section of how to become a transcriptionist in 5 steps, you are going to learn what exactly is a transcription job.

In lucid language, transcription is a process of converting audio or video files into written documents.

Many companies hire independent contractors for transcribing their audio files as it saves a lot of money and time.

If you want to become a transcriptionist, you must have a good knowledge of the language and typing skills. 

A number of companies that hire transcribes generally take an assessment test of your skills.

As mentioned above, transcription jobs are mainly classifies into medical, legal, and general.

General transcription jobs generally revolve around converting audio-visual interviews, meetings, keynote speeches, academic lectures, and similar stuff.

How can You Gain Benefit from this Job?

In this section of how to become a transcriptionist in 5 steps, you are going to learn how can you gain benefit from this job.

A number of transcription jobs provide company’s payment structure is based on pay per audio minute or hourly basis.

The rates can vary from company to company and it is a given that the experienced transcribers are generally paid higher than the newbies.

Let us take an example, if the rate is $25/hour, this means that you will earn about $50 for every hour of audio you will transcribe.

Do note that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, general transcriptionists on average earn between $10 and $20 per hour.

What are the 5 Steps to Become a Transcriptionist Online?

1. Start by Selecting Your Niche

In this section of how to become a transcriptionist in 5 steps, you are going to learn how can you start the process by selecting your niche.

In broader sense, there are three types of transcription jobs that are in good demand, such as general transcription, medical transcription, and legal transcription.

If you are a newbie, it is deeply advisable that you try general transcription jobs first. They are much easier to grasp and even a requires a low barrier.

It will include typing audio recordings of lectures, conference calls, podcasts, webinars, and speeches.

On the other hand, medical and legal transcription jobs require specialized training and relevant knowledge.

This type of transcription job needs certifications and state licenses as well. Also, you must know the complex jargon of the trade as well.

You will be definitely paid for these types of work compared to general transcription jobs.

2. Get the Required Skills

In this section of how to become a transcriptionist in 5 steps, you are going to learn the importance to getting the required skills for this job profile.

The accuracy in typing is the most important skill that the job providers mostly look for. Having an error-free and fast typing ability will definitely be a big plus for anyone who is seeking this type of job.

A good command of English language will also help you many folds and will ensure your chances of success in the long run.

3. Time to Buy the Relevant Equipment

In this section of how to become a transcriptionist in 5 steps, you are going to learn the importance of buying the relevant equipment.

You will be required to have an updated computer with an excellent internet connection and tools like headphones and foot pedals are a must.

A number of companies will provide their own transcribing software, it is better to have your own transcription software and if you want to work as a freelance contractor, this will also assist you in the long run.

Looking for software that can come handy for you and help you in the long run, you can download software like Express Scribe for free.

4. Do not Forget to Get Certified

In this section of how to become a transcriptionist in 5 steps, you are going to learn more about the importance of getting certified.

Do note that, you do not particularly need to have a college degree or a specific certificate to do general transcription jobs.

For medical and legal transcription work, having proper qualifications and certifications is mandatory.

A number of colleges and vocational institutes offer such training and courses that can help you in the process of becoming a proper transcriptionist.

If you are someone who is looking forward to learn online from the comfort of your home, Transcribe Anywhere will be a good place for you. They offer a mini-course for those who desire to learn general transcription.  

Do note that, Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity offers certification for upcoming medical transcriptionists through programs, such as Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) or a Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS). 

For legal transcription certification, you can choose to visit the official website of the National Court Reporters Association. They offer certification as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR).

5. Where to Look for Transcription Jobs?

In this section of how to become a transcriptionist in 5 steps, you are going to learn where can you look for transcription jobs.

The online transcription job industry is prone to get riddled with scams and many beginners get scammed as fake companies lure candidates with big income opportunity offers.

A good piece of advice, is not to sign up with companies that look for registration fees.

Depending upon your experience, we have listed down below the top most transcription job companies that can actually pay you.  

1. Transcribe Anywhere

In this section of how to become a transcriptionist in 5 steps, you are going to learn about a platform known as Transcribe Anywhere.

If you are a serious individual who wants to make a career as a transcriptionist and making money, subscribing to Transcribe Anywhere can be a good starting point for you.

Not only do they conduct transcribing courses, but they also help you in starting your freelance transcription business.

They will teach you how to transcribe in the most effective way through various learning modules and in addition to that, they will help you get clients, fixing the right rates, and much more will be covered in the course.

2. Try TranscribeMe

This platform is a legitimate and popular transcription job provider online and if you want to become a participant of this platform, you will need to register and attend a transcription course conducted by them.

After finishing the course successfully, you will be asked to go through a short exam and the successful candidates will get access to live jobs from the platform.

The company pays $15 per audio hour and no prior experience is required at all. You will be paid weekly through PayPal.

There are other platforms as well that you can check out today, such as BabbleType, ScribeCare, Quicktate, ASC Services, SpeakWrite.

Other than general transcription, medical and legal transcribes are also in good demand. However, you must be adequately trained for those specified job assignments.

In the United States, a medical transcription typically makes around $40,000 per year.

With time, as you will start to gain more experience, you will surely be able to command better hourly rates as many companies look for a professional transcriptionist who can get the job done most effectively.