There are no special requirements to become an audio typist, although a high typing speed with extreme accuracy is necessary, and some additional training can help job candidates get ahead in the market. Audio typists transcribe recorded material like medical dictation, minutes from board meetings, and so forth. They can work as freelancers, taking work as it comes in and working at their own pace from home or an office. Others are employed by personnel firms or individual offices to provide typing services.
The first step for someone who plans to become an audio typist is to develop typing skills. Classes are available, as are home study courses, to allow people to learn to type very fast and with high accuracy. It can help to seek a typing certificate that will testify to typing speed, as employers may want to see evidence. Courses in audio typing specifically are also available, to allow typists to practice transcribing while they improve their typing skills.
It can be possible to become an audio typist with a typing certificate and some training in audio typing. Additional courses, however, can expand the options available and may allow a typist to negotiate better wages and benefits. Audio typists should also study the industry they plan to work in so they will be able to better understand the audio material they transcribe. Medical typists, for example, need to know medical terminology and abbreviations so they can record them accurately in the typed transcript. Likewise, a legal typist should get familiar with legal terminology.
Trade schools and community colleges often offer classes in terminology associated with various industries to provide training for receptionists, audio typists, and other people interested in work in these fields. A student who wants to become an audio typist can earn a certificate from one of these courses to demonstrate an awareness of the terminology. It can also be possible to take an audio typing course at the same facility, with some schools offering certificates or diplomas like audio typing for medical transcriptionists.
Practice and some education can prepare someone to become an audio typist. Firms in search of audio typists typically advertise these positions along with any requirements. Qualified typists can apply and interview, and may need to pass a typing test with some sample material before they will be hired. The more qualifications an applicant has, the more leverage during job interviews and wage negotiations, especially for audio typing positions that may require complex technical knowledge.
