The Job: Being a Transcriber
What does a TypeWell Transcriber do?
A TypeWell
transcriber provides communication access for students and others during classes
and meetings. A transcriber does this by listening to what is said by
teachers and students, and typing a meaning-for-meaning transcript of what is
heard. In order to keep up with the speed of normal speech (between 150
and 200 wpm), the transcriber uses a set of abbreviation and condensing
techniques. After class, the transcriber edits the file and distributes
notes of the day's class/meeting.
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What are the Qualifications to be a TypeWell Transcriber?
To be a transcriber, one must type at least 55 wpm without errors, have excellent listening skills, have excellent English writing skills, enjoy working in school settings, and have some knowledge of computers and word processing.
In addition, we recommend that candidates have no history of pain in the arms or wrist that might suggest a tendency toward repetitive motion disorders.
Here are more details.
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Is the Job Right for Me?
If you meet the qualifications listed above, the job of a
transcriber can be very rewarding. Transcribers working in school settings are an integral member of the
team that helps students learn. The transcriber, together with the classroom instructor,
the student, the itinerant or resource teacher, and/or other support personnel have
a big impact on the student's chances of reaching his or her full academic potential.
It is a real thrill to see a student who has been missing information in class,
begin to get it all from your communication access transcription. It is
great to see the increase in a student's comfort level in class -- with the
instructor, the course material and the other students -- that communication access and
notes bring.
For transcribers providing communnication access in job settings, social settings and religious settings, it is satisfying to help make it possible for everyone to have access to communication around them. Modern technology, and your transcribing skills, provide a means for individuals who might otherwise be cut off from certain jobs, social interactions, or religious services to fully participate in such activities.
Here are some of the benefits of this job:
- Making a contribution to society.
- Gaining stimulating exposure to classroom and meeting topics.
- Being part of the TypeWell family. TypeWellers are friendly, honest, and feel good about what they do.
They're confident because the training really prepares them, and they know we're right behind them if they need advice or support.
- Learning an entire new career in only 60 hours of training.
- Access to this rapidly-growing job market.
- Developing "portable" job skills: jobs are available for experienced transcribers across the US and Canada.
- Interacting with the next generation.
The work of a transcriber is not simple.
He or she works hard during class to stay on top of the material
being presented, so the meaning-for-meaning transcription is accurate and
clear. A transcriber learns a lot from listening to class lectures, but some
people may not be comfortable in school settings. If you are such a
person, the job of a school transcriber is not for you. But, if you have the
qualifications, like the idea of helping students reach their maximum potential,
enjoy being in stimulating environments, and work well as a team member, the job
of a school transcriber could be perfect for you.
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What is the Usual Pay of a Transcriber?
Every school district and every geographic area have different pay scales. The
recommended beginning pay level for a transcriber is just below that of a
beginning interpreter. In our experience, this ranges from $15/hr to
$30/hr, depending on the supply and demand in the area, and the school's overall
pay rates.
Many transcriber positions are part-time, from 10 to 30 hours a week. This is because a
transcriber should not type full time so as to protect his or her body from
repetitive motion injury and other possible ergonomic strain. Also, just as with sign language interpreting, the mental concentration and physical work of transcribing can be very fatiguing for a transcriber. After an hour or more of transcribing without a break, the quality of the information provided to the reader can decrease significantly. Thus, a typical schedule includes transcribing two or three courses a semester/term, with time allotted in the transcriber's schedule for editing each day.
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How do I become a TypeWell Transcriber?
To become a TypeWell transcriber, a person completes a distance-learning training course to learn how to listen to lectures and discussions and type a meaning-for-meaning transcription of what is heard.
The cost of this training course is often paid by a school that then provides work for the trained transcriber.
However, many individuals pay for their own training, and then work as independent contractors for schools, work sites, agencies, etc. Independent contractors usually also provide their own computers and other equipment, and their own TypeWell software.
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