Time it takes to transcribe an hour

[jessie dsouza]

I find it depends what I'm transcribing. If it's a focus group it takes me longer, if it's just one person speaking or a one-on-one interview of good sound quality then it's much faster.

I did a 120 minute file yesterday, group meeting with not fantastic sound quality throughout -took me between 4-5 hours (difficult to know for sure as I took some breaks during the day) yet another job I'm working on a 60 minute file takes me around two hours...

Hi Bridiej,

Thanks for all the info. I'm planning to learn this new skill and making my niche. Before I spend money on paid training, is there any free courses that I can learn from? Any sites? would love to hear from other VAs too.

Thank in advance for all your input

[RhondaHolscher]

Bridiej, I don't know of any courses, but if you want to contact me I would happy to answer any of your questions that I am able to answer and giver you some helpful suggestions. -Rhonda

[jessie dsouza]

Hi Rhonda,

Thanks for your helping hand. It wasn't Bridiej who asked about Transcription course/training. I'm Jessie

Anyways, much thanks to you. I will surely ask you for any help.

Thanks!

[bridiej]

You don't need courses, what you need is practice.
When I first started I registered with a transcription company and freelanced with them for a while - it's definitely the way to go, make sure you like it as it's harder work than it looks!

Good luck

[Gulf Coast Office Support]

As bridiej said, yes, you definitely need to practice transcription. I've transcribed for a lot of years and several years ago I worked with a company doing medical transcription. When I told him I didn't have any medical background (only legal), he told me that was okay, he has a harder time finding transcriptionists because some people just cannot hear it and type it.

Jama

[MIM Enterprises]

Hi Ladies,
I agree with the Perfect World - one of the first posts in this discussion.

With transcription these days and especially with the advent of digital audio there is no excuse for gibberish and whilst I am personally used to tight deadlines, if the audio I receive is gibberish and not able to be improved due to my awesome computer and wonderful audio tools, I do not waste time on it.

I think as professional transcriptionists we need to value our abilities and attract clients who appreciate our value-added services.

I have many experiences in many industries like many of you ladies do and prefer to streamline the work I accept these days. I admit to being a perfectionist and realise that these days that is not possible if the audio supplied is gibberish.

Hope you are having a great year and continue to grow and enjoy your work.
Michele

[jessie dsouza]

You don't need courses, what you need is practice.
When I first started I registered with a transcription company and freelanced with them for a while - it's definitely the way to go, make sure you like it as it's harder work than it looks!

Good luck

Bridiej,

That's an invaluable advice and I really appreciate it. I need to motivate myself why learning this skill as it's not just an easy skill.

Thanks!

[TEPVirtualServices]

To improve my transcription skills I went online and located some free Pod Casts and downloaded them to transcribe. I have only ever transcribed dictation, never multiple speakers, and the Pod Casts can give you a variety of things to transcribe.

[SimplyKath]

Thanks for the info, Pam, that is very useful for me as a fairly new VA

[KKanDoVA]

I'm glad to see this thread, including not only the time it takes to transcribe, but the fees several of you charge. I feel better now knowing I'm in the right ball park.