So, what exactly is transcription? Transcription simply means taking a document and preparing it into a typed document according to your own or the author’s desired standards. Some different types of documents to transcribe include but are not limited to:
hand-written papers
voice-recorded files
spreadsheets
database programs
mailing lists
In a transcription business you will be typing documents for your clients. To be truly successful in your transcription business the following should be your Code of Ethics:
Fast Turnaround
Excellent Grammar
Absolutely No Typographical Errors
Professional Image
Reasonable Rates
Quality Equipment
By embracing the above qualities you are sure to create a rewarding career in transcription!
There are basically three different types of transcription work to choose from which include Business Transcription, Legal Transcription, and Medical Transcription. Obviously, for legal and medical transcription you will need some type of training and/or experience in these fields.
At the time of this writing, medical transcription is by far the most popular type of at home transcription work done, as most doctors use dictation as their preferred way of note-taking and recording of their patients’ medical histories. There are many quality medical transcription courses available whether you choose a local college or via the Internet. Check out the Resources chapter for some of these options.
Legal transcription is definitely a viable option if you have worked as a legal secretary or in a legal office of some capacity and are familiar with the very strict formatting guidelines and legal terminology you will encounter. However, there are courses you can take for this as well.
Business transcription is much more flexible as the only training you really need is office terminology, formatting of letters, memos, minutes, etc. Because my background is over 20 years’ office experience (most of which was done in a financial services office) this is the area I focus my business around. I transcribe for accountants, and my work consists of letters, memos, spreadsheets, reports, and database preparation.
Chapter
2, Skills and Equipment Needed