Although the term transcription is also used in the fields of music and genetics, transcription jobs generally involve the transfer of verbal information into a written form. Speech is directly transcribed stenographers and court reporters. Medical transcription is the process of converting oral medical records into typed documents. Data from audio files is also used in less industry-specific types of transcription. Transcriptionists are also used to assist the deaf with technology.
Meetings and legal proceedings must be recorded accurately and typed stenographers and court reporters. Transcription jobs in these fields used to be entirely dependent on a person’s typing or shorthand speed. To ensure accuracy, modern systems digitally record data, which is then used to create a transcript and also kept on hand as an audio record. These transcription jobs typically require proficiency in specialized transcription techniques as well as knowledge of a specialized vocabulary. The importance of speed and accuracy cannot be overstated.
Medical transcription is a burgeoning field that involves converting audio recordings of medical information into text. Rather than having medical personnel type information in, many medical organizations prefer to collect records as audio recordings and have the recordings transcribed later. To ensure accurate transcription, this field necessitates meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of medical terminology. Most organizations have specific training requirements for their transcriptionists in order to ensure that they are proficient.
A variety of transcription jobs help the deaf gain access to information. Transcriptionists are used to provide subtitling for television programs, though in some cases, technology has taken the place of human transcriptionists. This job necessitates a high level of speed, accuracy, and language proficiency.
Human transcriptionists are also an important link in the deaf community’s communication. A speech to teletype conversion exchange exists in almost every country. These exchanges employ transcriptionists who type information received orally into devices that transmit it as text to the deaf’s homes or cell phones, and then speak the typed responses in the opposite direction. In these types of transcription jobs, speed and accuracy are essential, as is the ability to respect the privacy rights of the clients.