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Original poster

Retraining in Audio typing

18 replies

Southlondonmum76 · 25/11/2021 06:59

I’m returning to work next year. Currently looking to retrain as I was a nurse but now let PIN go. As I planned I would not return after having children.
I am currently looking to retrain and was looking at Audio typing. Something I hope I can do from home until children settled at school/nursery.

Can an audio typing course alone be enough to get some part time work? Or is it best to just do a secretarial course instead?

OP posts:
Peachyqueen · 25/11/2021 07:04

There is a huge demand for audio typists at my local Trust. I should think it would be easy enough to get a bank post at a hospital near you as an audio typist. Go for it - you can always learn on the job re: secretarial work as you get to know the teams.

Good luck!

nameyouwhat · 25/11/2021 07:05

Is audio typing still a thing?

Unescorted · 25/11/2021 07:06

A lot of offices now use Office 365 - Word, One Note, Power Point, Outlook all have a dictation function. Once you get used to it it is really simple to use. I think audio typing is a shrinking occupation.

Peachyqueen · 25/11/2021 07:12

@Unescorted

A lot of offices now use Office 365 - Word, One Note, Power Point, Outlook all have a dictation function. Once you get used to it it is really simple to use. I think audio typing is a shrinking occupation.
Not in hospitals.
RampantIvy · 25/11/2021 07:14

@nameyouwhat

Is audio typing still a thing?
Yes - the NHS and the police use audio typists. I think solicitors might do as well.
Original poster
Southlondonmum76 · 26/11/2021 20:49

@Peachyqueen, thank you, I didn’t think about joining my local trust bank. That would actually work out well, if all goes to plan. I was more focusing on working from home initially but temporary posts would actually be a good start. There are two large hospitals very nearby so that’s handy.

Now I need to get cracking with a course.

OP posts:
DaisyNGO · 26/11/2021 20:54

OP do you need to do a course? I realise in this day and age you probably do, but I have done audio typing jobs with no courses. That was ages ago, like 20+ years though.

Everythingmagnolia · 26/11/2021 21:00

It's definitely still a thing!

I audio type police statements/interviews etc

debbs77 · 26/11/2021 21:59

I've been looking at similar and looking at places like Upwork. I applied to some typing places but they have so many applications that I didn't get through.

Original poster
Southlondonmum76 · 27/11/2021 06:55

@DaisyNGO, I think doing a short course will help, refresh my skills I do have. I did a lot of typing of my own reports and letters etc when I was a community nurse. I had quite a good typing speed back then but now not as fast.
I’ve seen an Audio Typing course with Pitmans, I’m going to speak with their advisor on Monday. A friend was suggesting I just do a medical secretary course as it will cover a lot more. So going to think about that. Years ago I did a course with Pitmans which covered Microsoft, spreadsheets, PowerPoint etc… but am a bit rusty now Confused

@debbs77 I’ve not heard of Upwork (will look that up later) I’ve heard of others. And you’re absolutely right there are lots of applications.

Good luck, hope you find something soon!

OP posts:
SorryPardonWhat · 27/11/2021 07:19

Do you already touch type? Aim for 80wpm before applying for jobs. Audio typing easy as long as you can touch type. My trust put me through the med sec course once I had started with them and I loved it. Good luck!

eurochick · 27/11/2021 07:22

Wow. I'm amazed this is still a job. Everyone dictated when I started working in law firms twenty years ago but it has been years since I have seen anyone do it. As others have said there is dictation software now for those that don't want to type themselves.

Original poster
Southlondonmum76 · 28/11/2021 06:46

@SorryPardonWhat, Yes I can touch type, when I was working (few years ago) my speed was between 70-80wpm. I’m just a bit out of practice now, but I’m building up my speed again with practice in the evenings when kids are asleep.

That’s great your Trust put you through the medical secretary training. Can I ask was this recently? As if Trusts still do this now that it would help immensely.
Thank you!

OP posts:
rifling · 28/11/2021 06:54

I did a medical secretary course including audio typing years ago and it was only 1 day. I think that's probably all you need.

Mittenmob · 28/11/2021 06:59

I'm an academic and we used to pay for transcribers for research interviews but now we do the interviews on Teams which provides a reasonably accurate transcription anyway. I'd say it's not something to start a career with right now because within a few years the tech may be such that it isn't necessary anymore.

SorryPardonWhat · 28/11/2021 21:42

No this was about 15 years ago. Lots of medical terminology, I still have the textbook somewhere...

DGFB · 28/11/2021 21:45

Can’t believe this is still a thing. We switched over to dictaphone software years ago

sicknotemum · 31/05/2022 19:24

I am currently looking to do an audio typing course but can't seem to find one, has anyone any idea where I could try? Just looking to apply for a few jobs that are looking audio typing qualification similar to OCR/RSA. 😊

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