Joining an association in any industry comes with many benefits and opportunities. Transcription associations are no different and you can really fast-track your career by getting involved in one. In this article, I’ll share the features and benefits of transcription associations, as well as a list of reputable associations that serve transcriptionists of all types and worldwide.
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What Are Transcription Associations
Transcription associations are organizations or professional bodies, usually non-profits, that represent and support the interests of individuals and businesses involved in transcription services. These associations typically aim to promote the highest standards of quality, ethics, and professionalism within the transcription industry. Membership in transcription associations often provides numerous benefits, including access to resources, industry updates, professional recognition, and discounts on services and products. These associations may also participate in industry research and development, as well as advocacy and policy recommendations. Resources provided to members typically include:
• Training and Education
• Certifications and Accreditations
• Codes of Conduct and/or Ethics
• Employment Opportunities
• Advocacy for Transcription Professionals
• Networking Opportunities
• Discounts on Products and Services
Types of Transcription Associations
Transcription Associations generally focus on one type of transcription work, general, legal, or medical. Although, because general transcription contains several niche markets, you’ll find that some associations target a very specific type of general transcription, like real-time captioning or verbatim transcription. Legal transcription associations are directed primarily at transcription for courts and law enforcement, but some also serve general transcriptionists as well. And medical transcription associations only focus on transcription for the healthcare industry.
I’ve listed seven transcription associations below, with a short description of each. I encourage you to check out the organizations that pertain to the type of transcription work you do.
General Transcription Associations
The Transcription Society
The Transcription Society is based in the United Kingdom but provides services to transcriptionists and transcription companies all over the world. In addition to offering accreditation in general transcription, the organization also offers insurance and confidentiality agreement templates to its members.
International Alliance of Professional Reporters and Transcribers (IAPRT)
Based in Texas, the IAPRT actually serves general transcriptionists, court reporters, and stenographers worldwide. In fact, the certifications they offer provide transcriptionists with an “Internationally Certified” designation. If you serve clients in multiple countries, this organization might be a good option for you.
Association of Transcribers and Speech-to-Text Providers (ATSP)
The ATSP is specifically aimed at real-time transcription professionals who provide services to the hearing impaired. The education they provide focuses on ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance in the United States, and they offer a service connecting captioners and transcriptionists with deaf and hearing-impaired individuals, schools and universities, and service agencies.
Legal Transcription Associations
American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT)
Even though the AAERT contains the word “American” in its name, the certifications they offer are recognized worldwide. The organization provides benefits and services to court reporters and general transcription professionals.
National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
The NCRA is based in the United States but accepts members from most countries. They offer seven different certifications, covering everything from stenography and court reporting to real-time transcription and broadcast captioning. The NCRA and the certifications they offer are the most widely recognized in the transcription industry all over the world.
National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA)
The NVRA focuses on captioning, scoping, stenography, legal transcription and court reporting in the United States. The organization offers an annual conference, several levels of membership, and certifications that are recognized by the U.S. Congress, the Military Court System, the Federal Judicial System, and several state court systems.
Medical Transcription Associations
Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)
While the AHDI began and is located in the United States, the organization is the most recognized medical transcription association around the world. They offer two certifications for medical transcriptionists, a ton of educational resources, career advancement opportunities, and all kinds of events.
Joining a transcription association is a good idea for any transcriptionist who is looking to advance their career. However, if you have decided to get certified, joining an association will be a requirement. The networking and job opportunities alone are incredibly valuable. And being a member of any of these organizations will set you apart as a professional, demonstrating your dedication to a career in transcription. Which association will you join? Are there other associations I haven’t listed? Let me know in the comment section below.
