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Degree Overview: Associate of Publishing Transcriptionist

Majors Overview August 13, 2013

In this article, you will learn about the associate degree program in publishing transcriptionist, as well as receive information on job prospects, requirements, licensing options, and courses to make an informed decision about your education.

Associate Degree Program in Publishing Transcriptionist

Students enrolled in associate degree programs related to publishing transcriptionist are trained to transcribe spoken word recordings or speeches into typescripts. Coursework in these degree programs are devised to teach students about the use of different transcription software technology and programs that could include stenography and real-time writing machines. Students also learn proofreading and grammar along with industry-specific terminology, such as legal or medical terms.

Education Requirements

It may be necessary for students to take basic keyboarding or typing courses as some degree programs have typing speed standards that applicants need to satisfy. Admission criteria also require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.

Program Coursework

Students have the opportunity to learn transcribing procedures and terminology in lecture-style courses, but they may also gain practical skills through hands-on work with transcription technology. Topics covered within these degree programs can include technical skills, transcribing methodologies, and professional behavior standards. Most programs require that students participate in transcriptionist internship programs in vocational-specific work settings, such as medical records offices, courtrooms, or business environments. Transcriptionist associate degree program course topics may include the following:

•Computer-aided transcription
•Vocational terminology
•Machine transcription
•Business writing
•Shorthand
•Document formatting
•Office procedures
•Information management
•Keyboarding
•Micro-computing

Career Options

Transcriptionist associate degree program graduates are capable of working in entry-level positions within different industries, such as business, medical, and legal fields, although some graduates choose to work as freelance transcriptionists for various clients. Graduates can pursue the following career options:

•Court reporter
•Broadcast captioning specialist
•Medical transcriptionist

Information on Continuing Education

Transcriptionists seeking certain entry level positions may be required to obtain state licensure in order to be able to practice their profession (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). For instance, in most states, court reporters are required to obtain licensure. Every state may have its own licensing requirements, but common requirements include the passage of a practical skills test involving the accurate transcription of a timed recording. In a majority of states, licenses are required to be maintained through routine participation of professionals in continued education coursework.

Several certification programs in this field continue to remain voluntary (BLS); however, obtaining different certifications can assist workers in earning promotions or finding new jobs. Interested candidates can take certificate exams provided they have a certain number of years of experience in the transcription field; hence, some certification programs may be out of reached for some candidates.

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