A transcriptionist is a professional typist who listens to recorded or live audio files and converts into text format what they hear.
What does a transcriptionist do?
A transcriptionist is a specialist in documentation. The job entails listening to voice recordings and converting them into written documents. It requires patience and serious training. The job might involve transcribing recordings of legal, medical and other topics.
Do you need a certificate to be a transcriptionist?
Transcriptionists need a certificate or an associate degree in the specific transcription field in which they wish to work. And licensure may be required for court reporters, while certification is voluntary for medical transcriptionists.
Can you make money as a transcriptionist?
The average median annual income for a general transcriptionist is currently R 690205.43. Legal transcriptionists can earn around R 690205.43 . Of course, if you start your own business and hire subcontractors while working as a project manager yourself, your income can grow well beyond these figures.
How to Become A Transcriptionist In South Africa
STEPS
To work as a Transcriptionist, you must have the necessary skills;
be a quick typist, and put in plenty of practice time. To learn how to do transcription, follow these steps.
Step# 1: Must have Transcriptionist Skills
The first step in becoming a transcriptionist is to have the requisite skills. They are usually the same from one company to another. Skills included:
– Excellent listening abilities.
– Typing speed and accuracy range from 65 to 75 words per minute.
– Excellent command of the English language.
– Awareness of Microsoft Word or related software.
– Skills in editing, grammar checking, and proofreading.
– Multitasking abilities
– Project completion skills that are effective.
– Skills in time management.
That’s fantastic if you have those abilities! But don’t worry if you’re unsure about any of them. Such as your typing or grammar skills; the next steps will assist you.
Step# 2: Meet Technical Requirements
Companies also have similar technical requirements, which include:
– You’ll need a computer that’s not too old.
– With download speeds of around 10mbps, reliable internet is a must. (check your internet speed at speedtest.net)
– Most entry-level transcription companies require you to work on their software. Which is usually a quick and straightforward installation.
– Some businesses require you to have Microsoft Word installed on your computer.
– Depending on the company, you may be required to use Google Chrome to evaluate its program.
– To work with any transcription service, you must wear headphones.
– Higher-paying transcription companies will allow your separate transcription software and a foot pedal.
As a newbie, you don’t have to worry about meeting all these technical requirements. When first starting, all you need is some time and a quiet place to work. Initially, all you’ll need is your laptop and a pair of ear-buds.
As you progress and decide this is the job for you, investing in a better equipment is a smart option. As you advance to higher-paying positions, you’ll need to buy transcription software and a foot pedal.
Now, let’s move on to the next step.
Step# 3: Create an Online Presence
Having an up-to-date and relevant CV was once crucial for job hunting. You can now deliver the same information via your web presence.
Whether it’s through your website, an online portfolio site, or a Facebook page for your transcription service. It’s time to shout about your skills,
services and how hiring you to transcribe for them will benefit them.
Once you started an online presence, it’s time to go out and look for work. Or, as is more likely these days, stay at home and look for work. There are several options.
– Networking
Time to contact the business connections you’ve made over the years. Make sure your LinkedIn (or local equivalent) is up to date. And begin informing people that you provide transcription services.
From introductory offers to referral bonuses, you can use a variety of marketing techniques. Just make sure to take a personalized approach rather than spamming your entire contact list with a generic template letter.
– Utilizing Agencies to Apply
There are numerous transcription agencies available online. And many of them are willing to give newcomers a chance. They may not pay as well as work that you can source directly. But, they can provide a steady income. And agencies are a priority in the early process of creating a transcription career.
– Internships and Volunteering
If you cannot find paid work due to a lack of transcription experience, consider volunteering or internships. You’ll gain valuable knowledge that you can put to use in the future to grab other jobs.
You may soon realize that your volunteer or internship role progresses into something more long-term – and financially rewarding!
Step# 4: Make a Choice: Would You Like To Become a Transcriptionist?
It would help if you now understood what transcription is. How much can you earn? And how to pass some practice tests. It would be best if you currently made a choice. Do you wish to work as a transcriptionist? Do you want to make money as a transcriber?
If you think transcription would be a good fit for you. Then, familiarize yourself with the style guides of the most reputable transcription companies. Most companies follow similar guidelines, so knowing what to expect will help you.
Below are 3 Transcription Jobs in South Africa
Transcriptionist
Zanati Group Johannesburg Metropolitan Area
Remote English Contract Transcriptionist – South Africa
3Play Media Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Work from Home | Transcription Project for Zulu Speakers
Appen KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Transcription Skills Training Courses in South Africa
This Transcription skill short courses aim to introduce learners to the principal and practice of transcription. This practical workshop will teach you how to provide a written copy of dictated or recorded matter.
In addition to adding to your skill set, it will help you access part-time or full-time local and global opportunities. Possible markets include students, academics, conferences, corporates, state departments, disciplinary hearings, meetings, schools, universities, podcasts, authors, and religious, medical and legal fraternities.
Topics to be covered
Role of transcription
Traits of a good transcriber
Reference Materials
Keyboarding Skills
Transcription software
Various file formats and accuracy
Transcription process
Types of transcription work
Report Formatting
Standard formatting and layout
Transcription Certification
How much do transcribers get paid in South Africa?
R144,472 (ZAR)/yr.
What qualifications do you need to be a transcriber?
A transcriptionist needs a certificate or an associate degree in legal transcription or court reporting or medical transcription. Licensure or certification required in many states for legal transcriptionists working as court reporters.
What is the best transcription company to work for in South Africa?
Top Transcriptions is one of the largest Transcription Services companies in South Africa, with transcribers covering Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and other cities.
How many hours does a transcriber work in South Africa ?
The short answer: The industry standard is four hours of transcription time for one hour of clear audio, or a 4:1 ratio – that is, one hour of transcription time for a 15-minute-long recording.
How fast do you need to type to be a transcriptionist in South Africa ?
Typing speeds of at least 65 words per minute (wpm) are recommended for beginning transcriptionists—most seasoned transcriptionists type between 75 and 90 wpm. If your typing speed doesn’t hit those levels today, don’t worry because consistent practice can have your fingers moving faster in no time.
Is being a transcriptionist hard in South Africa ?
Transcription work sounds easy since it only involves listening to audio files and typing. In reality, however, transcription is quite complicated. It takes commitment and full involvement in the job to ensure that you produce excellent work.
Are transcription jobs worth it in South Africa ?
The Experience Is Worth it
Transcription sites are fine when you’re looking to earn pocket money. But if you’re desiring full-time employment, use them to gain experience. They look at your experience, your work ethic and offer much better pay. The work is not snatched by the first person who gets the chance.
What are the four major skills needed for transcription in South Africa ?
4 Most Important Skills for a Transcriber to Have
Attention to detail. A transcriber must be constantly re-reading as they’re typing to make sure they didn’t miss anything.
Google skills. Like most modern workers, a good transcriber needs to be an experienced Googler.
Grammar skills.
Typing.
Why do you want to work as a transcriptionist in South Africa ?
Flexible schedule.
Working as a freelance general transcriptionist allows you to set your own hours. This also empowers you to take control of your personal and career calendars. It’s totally up to you whether you prefer to work during the day or night time and how long. You get to decide when to take breaks too!1