Transcription Jobs

Transcription jobs are widely advertised as a lucrative work at home career. Many people who have researched various ways to make money online have probably come across such ads. The promise of easy work and a lucrative pay check is definitely intriguing.

Types of Transcription Jobs

However, what exactly is an at-home transcription job? There are two main types of transcription.

Simple transcription - converting audio files to text
Medical transcription - documenting patient's medical records

There are jobs to be had in both areas. However, it is much easier to find simple transcription jobs than finding employment in medical transcription.

Training is Essential

You typically need training before you are able to get a job as a medical transcriptionist.

In fact, you should be prepared to pay upwards of $1500. That is a pretty steep price to pay for training in a field that is very difficult to find jobs that you will be able to complete from home.

There are many companies out there that claim that you can earn $50,000 - $60,000 a year being a home transcriptionist. Most of these companies are trying to sale thousand dollar courses. Many people fork over the money and only find out after the fact, that they can't make any money.

There are training courses that you can take online. However, they can be quite expensive.

Instead, you should check with your local community or junior college. They are apt to have the same courses, but for much cheaper rates. After taking such course and getting a local job, you may want to start telecommuting from there.

Getting Hired by Reputed Companies

To be hired by a reputable company to perform transcription work, you typically need to have some in-house experience.

This is because you will be dealing with highly sensitive information and the company/doctor's office wouldn't simply hand over their files to an at-home worker who simply asks for them. Instead, after you have secured an actual job and have proven yourself trustworthy, then you may ask for permission to take the files home and telecommute.

How to Search

When looking for work, the manner that one will go about it will be quite different, depending on what type of transcription services that you wish to perform.

Simple transcription is much easier way to get jobs that one can perform at home. This is primarily because it doesn't require you to have any type of education. You simply need to advertise your services. If your rates are competitive, you are likely to find jobs.

When looking for simple transcription work, you should advertise your transcription services at online freelance sites. Some good places to start include Get a Freelancer, DP Market Place , Craigslist (Be sure to get paid a portion of your fee upfront), Rent a Coder and Guru.

To get a job in the medical transcription field, as stated earlier, you will primarily find legitimate transcription work from your present employer. However, this one creates a corporation and you can get a portfolio of clients under their belt. Then you may want to find the doctor's offices and get permission to do off site transcription.

In an effort to drum up business, you need to be as personable as you can. Joining one's local Chamber of Commerce or medical related organizations to meet doctors and nurses is a good thing to begin. Building relationships and trust are absolutely vital to be successful in this business. Also consider online promotions using pay-per-click such as Adwords, Yahoo! and MSN.

Tips to Be Successful As an At-Home Transcriptionist

Advertise, advertise and advertise
Network, network and network
Know what you are doing
Deliver what you say you will
Work with other transcriptionist and offer to perform their overflow work
Meet your deadlines
Be proactive

Work at Home Transcription Jobs can be a good way to earn money online. However, you will have to be realistic about your expectations. If you choose to offer simple transcription services and already know what you are doing, then you can simply join some of the top freelance sites and begin advertising your services.

Companies Offering Transcription Jobs

Speak-Write - You can get home based transcription works from this Online Dictation Service company. If they approve your online application, you will be required to attend a necessary testing. Upon successful completion, you will be provided a software application which would act as a key to sign in to their system. You can pick up the job, finish it from home and then upload the final transcription to their server.
Fantastic Transcripts -This one provides really very useful tips on starting a successful home business. At present, they do not offer any kind of work at home opportunities. But you can send an email with little information about yourself, your experience, and the kind of equipment you have. They will get in touch with you when they find a client in your area and the nature of work suits your qualification.
TigerFish Transcribing (U.S. Only) - One of a successful transcription service is seeking highest quality of work from home transcribers. You are required to download the sample audio files, do the conversion and then email the document to specific address. You will be contacted directly in case your application is approved.
Transcription Services - This one is hiring independent contractor with minimum 5 years experience. DSL/Cable connection is a must. Candidates can use the online application form which can be found in their website to reach them.

More Resources

Recent Blog Posts about Transcription Jobs
Recent Job Listing Section - Transcription Job Vacancies
Related resource - Medical Transcription Jobs
Search for Transcription Job Guides at Amazon Store