What does a Transcriptionist do?

While there is a perception that a transcriptionist is simply a very fast typist, there is much more to the profession. A person who does this job is a working professional who makes good use of language and language arts, research, and an affinity for understanding the meaning and intent behind the words used in a conversation. Along with these qualities, he or she also must possess strong skills at the computer keyboard. With an eye toward accuracy and a commitment to deliver a quality transcript to each customer, a transcriptionist employs a number of talents and skills to get the job done.

Someone who does this job requires the skill of literacy. Because there is the opportunity for just about any word in a given language to be used during the course of a meeting or session that will require transcription, the person must have the ability to transcribe what is heard accurately. This includes understanding colloquialisms that may be employed by various speakers, being able to use punctuation in such a way that the inflection of the speakers are captured as much as possible, and being able to record the dialogue exactly as it occurred. A well-rounded education in the art of language is essential.

Above and beyond basic language skills, the need to deal easily with technical terminology or simple shoptalk is very handy in many transcription jobs. For example, medical transcriptionists need to not only posses a strong medical vocabulary, but also be proficient in the abbreviations that are commonly used with the medical field. This same qualification or skill is necessary for someone who works in a courtroom as well. Understanding the vocabulary well enough to accurately capture the flow of discussion in a document is also very valuable.

Strong typing skills is a must for any transcriptionist. In some cases, the job has to be accomplished in a real time setting, so in effect, this person is taking dictation without the ability to employ the old-fashioned shorthand method. Even in cases where the individual is working off an audio recording of a meeting or event, a quick delivery of the finished transcript may be very important to the client. Circumstances often dictate that a finished transcript be made available to the customer within a day or less, so fast and accurate typing skills go a long way to meeting those sorts of deadlines.

A transcriptionist also may need to employ some research skills to the task. No matter how well versed he or she may be in a given field, chances are that he or she will have to look up a few terms or phrases that are used within a meeting or session. This research often helps the person put the remarks into context, which aids in using appropriate punctuation. The research can also serve to verify the spelling of any words that the individual may be unsure about.