Where to start?

[springmama]

I'd like to apply to become a transcriptionist. Can anyone recommend a good place to start? Ideally, I'd love to work for a company that allows me to work as much or as little as I like and that doesn't require any special software.

[wahpugmama]

Hi there!

Quicktate doesnt pay much but it will give you a good start.

[pawp11]

You don't mention your experience level, but Focus Forward has their test on their website. You don't have to submit a resume and then be invited to test which is a big plus to newbies. It was my first online gig.They pay $40 or $48 an audio hour. It isn't easy but it was great experience. Within three months I felt confident to apply at better paying companies.

Notes regardless of where you test: Really audio proof. Don't just glance through it. Proof to audio. Reread the guidelines. Look up words to verify capitalization.

Some places allow you to retest in a few months, some don't. Make the first time your best!

Good luck!!!

[springmama]

Thanks! I am almost finished with my application at Focus Forward, but I am so afraid to submit it. We desperately need this income.

I read over their guidelines and double checked that I followed all of the rules, but there are so me things that seem questionable to me that are not addressed in their instructions. Is there a web site with general information about transcription?

[Alba]

Springmama,

All you can do is your best, following the guidelines which you have been given. Good luck with your test!

There are many forums which address transcription generally. There are forums which address transcription specifically.

One of the main aspects of transcription is the ability to do research and find the resources needed. Trust me, you will need to do this every single day if you enter this career.

[Sadie1Lady1]

Originally Posted by springmama

Thanks! I am almost finished with my application at Focus Forward, but I am so afraid to submit it. We desperately need this income.

I read over their guidelines and double checked that I followed all of the rules, but there are so me things that seem questionable to me that are not addressed in their instructions. Is there a web site with general information about transcription?

Springmama, you can make a living doing this, but it will take some time to build up your skill set and income and to find out which field of transcription you prefer and is easiest for you to work with.

The only places I know for immediate money are SpeechInk or Castingwords on Mturk. They are small files and don't pay well, but it's a start and the pay is usually very quick. This will also allow you to see what you know and what you don't know as SpeechInk will give you feedback and ratings on every file, which should help you immensely. You'll get familiar with following guidelines and as long as you remember that each company has their own guidelines to follow and you follow them, you should be fine.

Focus Forward is one of those companies that doesn't allow you to test more than once, so if you're not comfortable with your results, maybe you should wait a bit and get some experience before submitting it.

Quicktate is transing small voicemail messages and even though it is technically transcription, some transers don't consider it real transciption. And the pay is low, but once you're with them for 6 months, you're eligible to get on with iDictate at twice the pay rate.

There's also Appenscribe which actually pays well and is easy enough because it's also working with small snippets.

Scribie is another site you can get a start on and can be very good experience as it is working with accents usually and the audio is usually not really good either. However it does only pay peanuts. For me, it was invaluable experience and I make a full time living working at home now and wouldn't trade it for anything.

You may also want to check out Accutran, they will hire newbies, as long as you can pass their test. It's transing financial earnings calls.

So there's some ideas for you and good luck in your venture.

[bmmccorkle]

I work in admissions for an MT school - most employers require at least 2-5 yrs of experience. Your best start to get into the industry is to look into AHDI approved schools to get some formal training.

[TessaDee]

Sadie1Ladie1, how long did it take you to build your skill set and start to make a living? And were you doing transcription full time when you started?

Thanks

[Sadie1Lady1]

Originally Posted by TessaDee

Sadie1Ladie1, how long did it take you to build your skill set and start to make a living? And were you doing transcription full time when you started?

Thanks

TessaDee, I've been working at home for almost 3 years now, and doing transcription since 9/09, however I have an extensive office/secretarial/computer background, so this came very easily to me.

I make most of my income doing proofing and I do transing the rest of the time, when I'm not running around for the kids or school. Proofing helped my hearing ear immensely.

In the summer of 2010, my proofing/transing income allowed me to take my kids on a summer vacation, and again in 2011. We hadn't been able to do that in a long time.

HTH

[cloakzore]

Originally Posted by bmmccorkle

I work in admissions for an MT school - most employers require at least 2-5 yrs of experience. Your best start to get into the industry is to look into AHDI approved schools to get some formal training.

This is bad advice. There are plenty avenues of transcription that do not require ADHI certification and are not in the medical industry at all. It's perfectly possible to become a successful transcriptionist without paying anybody anything, and indeed that is how most people do it today. These schools are useful only if you wish to be a medical transcriptionist.