got myself in a mess

[Kelsey21]

as many of you know I am taking the legal transcription course from US career institute. I am realizing now ( which I should have researched more before ) that it is really training me more for scoping than transcription. Transcription however, is what I originally wanted to do. I would rather listen to audio and transcribe that way.
anyways so now I am wondering.. when I start looking for a job in a few months will I be experienced enough in legal "transcription" to try and be an IC. I only question this because it doesnt seem like the USCI course has any audio practice transcription.
If I can be trained enough to find something in transcription first, and than later on find a court reporter and do scoping if I want than I'll be happy. I guess I just dont want to finish out this course and than only be able to take on scoping jobs, when I orignally wanted to do transcription.

( this is clearly what i get for not doing my research better beforehand..)


Hope that all makes sense.. any advice would be helpful. I am expecting in July and will be looking for work probably late August. But If i can, or will only be trained enough from taking the USCI course to do scoping, not transcription from audio than I need to rethink some things...

[rach021]

Did you want to do LEGAL transcription (like what the title tries to imply, even though it's not)? If so, no, the course will not train you for that. Edited by: rach021

[Kelsey21]

yes, i was trying to do Legal Transcripting.. which is what the course is called... but really it isn't.

i know some companies hire IC's with little or no experience, but I am just wondering if even though the course I am taking is more scoping than transcripting if I will still have enough knowledge to try and get a job as an IC doing transcription.

They should not call the course legal transcription.

[themommykj]

Kelsey21,

I was also confused about the different job options when I first looked into transcription, so I'll share what I have learned so far about the differences in the jobs. I was initially looking for transcription training, and I also assumed that all transcription was done from audio.USCI trains you to transcribedirectly from steno notes. You will be a transcriptionist, but you won't be transcribing from audio. Scopists edit transcripts that have already been transcribed by a computer.I will be able to work as a scopist when I'm done with the course, but I'll have to learn to use CAT software first.

Check out the "Transcription" folder on this website.Itis my understanding that you don't need formal training to transcribe from audio. I honestly don't know if the training would help you prepare for audio transcription. If you aren't too far into the USCI course, you may be able to get a partial refund.

I hope this helps. Good luck!Edited by: themommykj

[rach021]

I, too, was confused when I started the course. My main goal WAS steno, so I'm not disappointed, but I also thought I would be doing legal transcriptioning, as well.
From what I understand, for legal transcriptioning, you need a foot pedal and you need to know how to type out the transcript. I believe there is a specific way that you have to learn.

[EarthlingGirl]

I think legal transcription is just reading the steno and typing it out (transcribing) word for word (in English) in the proper Q and A format. You'll learn how to create all the different forms in the course. It's not like medical transcription where you are listening to someone talk and you type what you hear word for word.

You don't necessarily need a foot pedal, you can use your keyboard to hit "play/pause", etc. while scrolling through text on your screen.

Don't get discouraged!

[rach021]

There is a transcription called Legal Transcription that is doing transcripts for attorney's and what not. That, you need a foot pedal, as you continually stop while you're listening to the audio. You also are taught how to type the transcript properly, the way the attorney needs it done.

I probably explained it wrong, but if you google Legal Transcription, it describes it.Edited by: rach021

[RorySF]

I second checking out the "Transcription" folder.Theyshould be able tohelp steer you in the direction you want to go. Ichecked out that folder a lotwhen I first came here, because I also wanted to do legal transcription. When I learned what scoping was, I decided toconcentrate onthat instead, and focus on transcription as a second or third option.

I'm a legal secretary by day, so my idea of legal transcription (or what I envisioned myself doing, anyway) is a little different. My understanding is that it would be typing dictation from attorneys (briefs, pleadings, etc.) and things of that nature.

Obviously, I'm leaning toward scoping as beinga good skill to possess. But I also think, if you don't want to continue with your studies, that you should check out what your school's refund policy is.

Just my $.02.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck in it.

Oops, edited to add, I also second the foot pedal, if you can swing it. It will increase your speed. In my opinion, using the keyboard is great, but I believe it slows you down.

~~Rory~~Edited by: RorySF

[themommykj]

"Legal Transcription" definitely encompasses more than I realized, andI can see why so many people have been confused about the USCI course. I really like the course, but the schoolshould be more specific as to what type of transcription training they are offering.
Good luck!

[GlamBoutique]

Hello,

I am alsointerested in scoping. Would you say that the course through US Career Institute, focuses more on scoping? I am trying to decide between BeST andUS Career Institute.

Thanks!