How To Become A Transcriber Plus 27 Online Transcription Companies

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to equipment needed if you become a transcriber. If you purchase equipment using these links, I’ll receive a small commish at no cost to you.

Transcription jobs are becoming a popular way to make money from home, especially for parents, college students and even retirees who need to supplement their income. And why not. I mean, it’s an exciting career, the hours are flexible and best of all the pay can be pretty good.

Transcribers are in demand in a variety of fields such as the medical industry, the legal field and to assist the deaf.

In fact, there is no shortage of work either. As a transcriber, you have the choice to work for a local company, an online company or you can kick-start your own home-based transcription business.

In this post, I’ll show you where to get training and certification to become a transcriber, explain the kind of skills and equipment you need and where you can find work as a transcriber.

The Skills and Equipment You Need To Become A Transcriber

Besides having some knowledge of the field in which they transcribe in, there are some other skills that are required of transcriptionists. For instance, they should type with speed and accuracy, be able to hear clearly and have an understanding of terminology in their field.

In addition, they should be able to proofread and edit documents and be familiar with transcription software. And finally, all transcriptionists needs to have good organization and time management skills.

Now let’s move on to the equipment you’ll need.

Equipment

To begin with, if you want be a successful transcriptionist, your workspace should be equipped with a computer and transcription software. In addition, you also want to use tools to make you more productive when transcribing.

Additionally, you’ll also need to purchase a noise cancelling headset and foot pedal.

Here are some foot pedals available on Amazon.com.

Infinity USB Digital Foot Control with Computer plug (IN-USB2)*
Express Scribe Transcription Foot pedal with Software*
Infinity USB Foot Pedal w/ Express Scribe Professional Software*
Infinity INUSB2 Digital Foot Control with Usb Computer Plug

and
Infinity IN-USB-1 USB Computer Transcription Foot Pedal – New

And here are a few noise cancelling headsets that are also available on Amazon.

GENUINE Panasonic Headset for RR-830 & RR-930 Transcribers.*
Spectra USB Transcription Headset
Panasonic Extended-Life Premium “EBS” Headset Compatible Universal For Transcriber models RR-830, RR-930, RR-980 Transcribers With 3.5MM Right Angle Plug

How Much Can A Transcriptionist Earn

According to payscale.com the average pay rate for a medical transcriptionist is $15.19 an hour. The occupational outlook handbooks states that legal transcriptionists make an annual salary of $49,500 and according to Simply Hired, a general transcriptionist can earn an average of $68,370 a year. Not bad, right?

While I’m on the subject, transcribers are not paid an hourly rate or salary the way a traditional job pays. Instead they are paid by line, by page or by project.

Become A Transcriber – Training and Certification

Even though you don’t have any transcribing experience, you can still pursue a career as a transcriptionist. There are online courses available for you to receive training and become certified in this field. What’s more is, some schools will even provide job placement assistance after course completion.

In the event that you’re interested, here are some places that offer online training and certification. Please be sure to do your research so as to make sure the institute you choose is a reputable one. Also, that it meets your needs, has affordable rates and that you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Career Step – Career Step offers online courses such as medical transcription training. They also provide one on one student and graduate support and services such as tuition assistance and scholarships.

Meditec – Meditec offers courses in medical and legal transcription as well as other courses such as billing and coding.

Transcription Certification Institute – TCI provides general training and certification as well as employment opportunities.