Summary
Both online and offline certificate courses can be taken after clearing Class XII board exams
Healthcare, law and diplomatic missions are some of the sectors that employ transcribers
Transcription is the process of converting speech, audio, video or written documents to readable text. It helps different industries preserve vast amounts of content in text format for future references. If you have strong communication skills and a flair for the language, you can easily become a professional transcriber and work either as a freelancer or a full-time employee.
Types of transcription:
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Edited transcription: It refers to the final transcription content which is concise, easy to read and free of any grammatical errors. It does not mention fillers, background noises, incorrect or incomplete sentences, and use of cuss words, if any.
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Verbatim transcription: It involves faithful reproduction of speeches or audio-video content, including fillers and other background noises, in textual format.
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Intelligent verbatim transcription: Orators tend to use filler words during their speeches. This type of transcription removes such words, ensuring a compact read of the entire speech.
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Phonetic transcription: This involves transcription on the basis of the pronunciation of the word. It is mostly done where several accents and dialects tend to change the way a word is spoken.
Offline courses for transcription:
Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Haryana
Course: Certificate in Medical Transcript Technician.
- Duration: One Year.
- Eligibility: You need to clear your Class XII board exams, preferably in the science stream.
- .Click here to know more
Academy of Medical Transcription, New Delhi
Course: Medical Transcription Course.
- Duration: Six months to one year (depending on laboratory practices)
- Eligibility: You need to clear the Class XII board exams, preferably in the science stream.
- Click to know more.
Online courses for transcription:
Course: Transcription Skills - Learn Beginning to Advanced Skills by Udemy.
Course: General Transcription Certificate Course by Transcription Certification Institute.
Course: General Transcription: Theory and Practice by Transcribe.
Course: Learn how to Transcribe by Skillshare.
Skills you need to become a transcriber:
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Good listening ability: You need to be a good listener. You might need to be well versed with various regional accents and dialects.
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Good typing speed: You need to type at least 65-75 words per minute to transcribe speedily.
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Language command: You need to have an absolute grasp over the language you are transcribing into.
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Software awareness: Transcribers use the Microsoft Office package for their work. You need to be familiar with the software to work as a professional transcriber.
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Editing, grammar and proofreading: A transcriber not only transcribes verbatim but also edits out unnecessary parts from the final documents, if required. For this, you have to know the basics of editing, proofreading and correct grammar usage.
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Understanding transcription guidelines: Each company might have their own house rules when it applies to transcription. Before joining, you need to understand the house rules.
Industries that employ transcribers:
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Academic: Many academic conferences, workshops and international seminars are often transcribed for record and later references.
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Business communications: During board meetings, strategic discussions and partnerships, business communications are transcribed as official records.
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Movies: Audio files need to be transcribed for post-production. One might also need them for translation purposes.
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Law: Several statements and testimonies at courts need to be transcribed. Legal transcription is one of the well-paid jobs in this field.
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Healthcare: Voice reports and mandates by clinical professionals are transcribed in textual format. It is one of the oldest fields of transcription.
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Diplomacy: Consulates and embassies recruit local transcribers who transcribe day-to-day strategic discussions. They look for individuals who are transcribers as well as translators.
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Podcasts: Sometimes podcasts are transcribed for reference purposes.
Last updated on 03 Mar 2022
