What are the qualifications required for a transcriptionist?

Transcription should not be confused with translation. Translation is essentially representing the meaning of a language text into another desired language. Transcription should not be confused with transliteration as well – which is essentially a literal translation of the spoken language to a target language. However there is more to transcription as a profession. A transcriptionist must have several qualities to be able to deliver work of excellent quality and to have a stable clientele.

The main skill a transcriptionist requires is literacy. A transcriptionist should be capable of transcribing what is heard correctly. This requires understanding of colloquial pronunciations and the use of punctuation in the way the speaker means it. This can help record the dialogue exactly as it has occurred. Most transcriptionists are not merely language transcriptionists, but those that have to deal with technical terminology. So beyond language skills, a person looking to be a transcriptionist needs to be comfortable with medical terminology that is used in the medical field. A person should also be comfortable with legal terminology if he or she wants to specialize in the legal field.

Being a transcriptionist in India is a lucrative profession for several reasons. An average medical transcriptionist in a developed country is paid fourfold than Indian medical transcriptionist. To add to that the workforce in developed countries, generally speaking are retired and working from home. Transcription is a skilful but monotonous job, which requires the use of a computer keyboard, patience to hear numerous dictations and a command over English. This is not very interesting for this kind of a workforce and affects the turnaround time, especially for the aged. India on the other hand, has a considerably high English speaking population. Usually in their mid 20s, and with better turnaround times, India is a preferred transcription outsourcing destination – especially for generation of error free and medical transcripts with a good turnaround time. The sheer volumes of medical transcription jobs that come into India make transcription a lucrative profession.

Medical transcription is one of the main kinds of transcription jobs that are outsourced to India. Medical transcription is a highly specialized skill, requiring a high level of training and dedication and proficiency in English language. Medical transcription is almost recession proof and is one of the most best ever fields in the healthcare and medical industry in terms of growth. Creating Medical transcripts does not require any advanced IT skills, it demands good listening and written English language proficiency. Knowledge of medical terms and a good typing speed are plus points. While a good turnaround time is required, it is important that the transcripts are error free. Error free transcripts will ensure that there is no discrepancy in diagnoses since most of the reports are related to medical causes and cures. A good command over English, understanding of medical terminology and dialects used by international doctors / dictators and considerable experience are the only ways to ensure that medical transcription of critical reports and records are error free.