FAQs

+ FAQs on Velotype©
+ FAQs on Video Captioning and Subtitling
+ FAQs on Medical Transcription Course
+ FAQs on Legal Transcription Course

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON Velotype©

1. What is Velotype© (www.Velotype.com)?
2. How does the Velotype© Keyboard function?
3. What are some of the applications/usage of Velotype©?
4. Who are the men behind the Velotype©?
5. Where can I get my Velotype© in Asia?
6. How much does a Velotype© Keyboard cost?
7. Can I avail of financing to purchase the Velotype© Keyboard?
8. Does the Velotype© require any software and/or other supplemental gadgets?
9. How long does it usually take to become proficient in the Velotype©?
10. Does the IT Dynamics offer training to be a Velotypist??

What is Velotype© (www.velotype©.com)?
The Velotype© keyboard is the keyboard of the future! This Dutch invention is the result of years of linguistic research and optimizing a new and revolutionary way of typing! By pressing several keys simultaneously, complete syllables and words can be made, instead of typing character by character. At the same time, it is a very ergonomic way of typing. That means: Typing quicker and with less energy! Back to Velotype© FAQs

How does the Velotype© Keyboard function?
The Velotype© keyboard is a chord-keyboard. This means multiple keys are being pressed simultaneously, creating complete syllables or words at once. In contrast to the standard Qwerty keyboard, on which keys are being pressed one by one, and single characters appear. It is not a phonetic system, but orthographic. The typist has the complete control over the spelling of the words. It is ergonomically designed, so the movement of the hands and fingers is minimal. The position of the hands is very natural and relaxed; that way it is possible to type accurately at a high speed (180 ++ words per minute) for long periods of time because of the reduced load on hands, wrists, and shoulders. Back to Velotype© FAQs

What are some of the applications/usage of Velotype©?
The Velotype© keyboard is suitable for all applications where text needs to be produced, but it is especially useful when doing this at fast speed, with high accuracy, and for long and extended periods of time.

>Live subtitling for television: Since 1987, the Dutch television (NPO) subtitles live television shows with Velotype©. From 2005 to 2007, the commercial TV station subtitled nearly 100% of all their shows via the company Invision. Since 2008, the company P2P Subtitling subtitles shows for SBS6, Veronica, Net 5 and TV Drenthe with Velotype©; and since March of 2013 also for RTL4. The deaf and hard of hearing organizations in the Netherlands joined forces in “Samenwerkingsverband Ondertitel Alle Programma’s! (SOAP!)” to extend the subtitling in the Netherlands even more.

>Outside of The Netherlands: Outside of the Netherlands, subtitling with Velotype© is mainly being done by SVT in Sweden and France by the French company Système RISP.

>Speech to text for deaf and heard of hearing people on location: For the last 20 years, there has been a growing profession in the Netherlands, called the “text interpreter.” The text interpreter converts speech to text for deaf and hard of hearing people in all possible situations. With a division in leisure, education and work settings. Payment for this service takes places in the Netherlands through UWV and Menzis. The Nederlandse Schrijftolken Vereniging (Dutch Association of Textinterpreters) supports this group of professionals. On the website of Stichting RTG, you can see an overview of all registered text interpreters in the Netherlands. Tolknet is an agency who can support in getting deaf/hard of hearing people in touch with the text interpreters. The official education to become a text interpreter takes place at the Hogeschool Utrecht.

>Speech to text at international congresses: The Velotype© keyboard has already been used for many years in international settings. One of the organizations already using this service for many years is the European Disability Forum (EDF).

>For court reporters/stenographers that usually require speech to text accurate encoding, transcription, and documentation at 180++ words per minute.

>For other efficient and accurate encoding and transcription requirement for the various institutions in the academe, broadcast industry, corporate and business world entities for enhanced back room office and business solutions, these are just some of the many, many more usage of the Velotype©. Back to Velotype© FAQs

Who are the men behind the Velotype©?
Sander Pasveer who is a Software and Hardware Engineer and Wim Gerbecks who is a speech to text reporter and language analyst are the two men behind this revolutionary product of the future (www.velotype©.com). Back to Velotype© FAQs

Where can I get my Velotype© in Asia?
The Velotype© is represented in the Philippines by the IT Dynamics Group with contact office at Room 411, 4th Floor, Mount Crest Hotel, Legarda Road, Baguio City. Contact Nos. (6374) 422-4215 , (63917)–506-1005, email – Velotype_ph@yahoo.com , website- www.itdynamicsphil.net. Velotype© Philippines branch offices will soon open in the Visayas and Mindanao Regions. Back to Velotype© FAQs

How much does a Velotype© Keyboard cost?
Velotype© is very reasonably priced. Get in touch for a quotation and to know more about the various volume and institutional discounts and terms of payment we offer. Back to Velotype© FAQs

Can I avail of financing to purchase the Velotype© Keyboard?
Yes, we do offer short to medium term financing to those qualified. Back to Velotype© FAQs

Does the Velotype© require any software and/or other supplemental gadgets?
No, the Velotype© keyboard can be directly plugged into any computer using Microsoft Windows, Apple, or Linux without the need of installing software or drivers on the computer. It is plug and play. The computer will recognize the Velotype as a standard USB keyboard. In addition, the Velotype© or any other input system can be used with a gadget called Text on Top. The Text on Top is a USB device that sends text from one computer to another and may come in handy should the situation call for it, and is in fact the perfect solution to live subtitling of presentations (www.text-on-top.com) Back to Velotype© FAQs

How long does it usually take to become proficient in the Velotype©?
In reality, the more time one spends in practicing/mastering the Velotype©, the sooner he or she will become proficient; although it is safe to say that one can become a Velotypist and attain a high accuracy and speed within the span of 2-4 months, but then again practice makes perfect. Back to Velotype© FAQs

Does the IT Dynamics offer training to be a Velotypist?
For a reasonable fee IT Dynamics offers two (2) types of training to suit one’s needs. Classroom training for groups (with fixed schedule), which is more applicable for office staff, members of an organization/institution etc.; and the home based/distance training for individuals who may have an erratic schedule or time constraints and would want a more flexible learning schedule.Back to Velotype© FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON VIDEO CAPTIONING AND SUBTITLING

1. What is Video Captioning and Subtitling?
Video captioning and subtitling is a way of making videos accessible to the deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing. In first world countries (U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, etc), it is a law that videos shown in public should be captioned. The Philippines still doesn’t have a captioning law, but there have been attempts to pass a bill both in the Upper (Senate) and Lower (Congress) House. Some of the videos you watched may already have captions or subtitles (the verbatim text of the dialogues shown together with the video). Back to VCS FAQs

2. What is the difference between captioning and subtitling?
Captioning is used when you want the video to be accessible to the deaf and deafened. If shows a description of most audible and relevant audios. Example, when watching in a talk show and the crowd cheers, the Captioner will include and describe the cheering in the verbatim text. Subtitling on the other hand is plain verbatim. It is meant for the hard of hearing and ESL viewers for their better understanding of the language. Back to VCS FAQs

3. What can I expect from ACI-ITD Video Captioning and Subtitling course?
The ACI-ITD training program on Video Captioning and Subtitling is the best in the industry. Aside from us being the first and the original to offer this course in the industry, we are also a BPO service provider. Meaning, we are not offering this training simply to make money out of it, but essentially we are banking on our graduates/trainees to join us at Transcripro (TPI), as one of our independent sub-contractors. Therefore, as in the past, when we offered the Medical Transcription, once again, the ACI-ITD Captioning and Subtitling course is a course that meets BPO industry requirements, and not some fancy short-term useless course. TPI was the 2nd company in the year 2004 to offer a comprehensive industry-relevant training program for Medical Transcription. Back to VCS FAQs

4. What is the expected growth of the Video Captioning and Subtitling (VC&S) industry?
Video Captioning and Subtitling (VC&S) is a growing industry that has a huge potential. As most countries are gearing towards making all videos accessible, there is a need for people to do the job as fast and as accurate as they can. This is an opportunity for countries like the Philippines that has a lot of talents and skills. Production companies in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada are outsourcing and off-shoring this kind of job. Back to VCS FAQs

5. Who should take up this course?
Those desiring to have a stable high-paying job without necessarily having to go through the usual lengthy college courses and accompanying industry training should take up this course. Those wanting to do home-based work and have a substantial income should take up this course. Those wanting to get involved and make contact in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) offshore industry should take up this course. Those planning to migrate to countries like the UK, Australia, USA, parts of Europe, Canada, etc. should take up this course, as there is a ready market for persons with the right VC&S skills. Aside from the obvious addition to one’s credentials that foreign countries look at, being a capable Professional VC&S Specialist is a definite plus factor. Back to VCS FAQs

6. What is the course comprised of, subjects, number of hours etc?
The course has a total 300 nominal hours that can be finished in 4 months (classroom). The length of the course for Distance learning depends on how many hours in a day you spend for the modules or how dedicated are you with the course. It would also depend on your learning speed. It is possible, however, to finish it in 2-1/5 months. The course is comprised computers (basic operations, keyboarding, word processing, and industry-specific applications); Basic and Advanced English (American English, UK-Australian English, slang, expressions, etc.); Medical English; Legal English; Captioning Guidelines and Rules; and Timecoding. What makes our course unique, is that we teach multi-country variations, so that you can handle most jobs, whatever the country-source it may be. By having this set of knowledge and skill, you would really be an asset to the company you will work with. Back to VCS FAQs

7. How much does the course cost?
The initial offering of the course is PhP40,000.00, however, you can avail of the subsidized part train now pay later and bring down the cost of the course to PhP20,000.00 This fee is inclusive of tuition, laboratory (for classroom), hand-outs (modules for Distance Learners), TOR, and Certificate. Back to VCS FAQs

8. Can I pay on installment basis?
Yes, you can pay on a staggered/installment basis, and if for some reason you happen to be tight or lacking of funds, feel free to talk to us so that we can work out some kind payment scheme for you. Back to VCS FAQs

9. Does the ACI –ITD offer scholarship grants?
At this point, we do not yet offer scholarship programs, but we certainly will in the near future, to deserving and qualified applicants. What one can avail of at present is the Train Now Pay Later (TNPL) plan. Back to VCS FAQs

10. Who can qualify and/or is eligible for the Train Now Pay Later program?
First, the applicant must meet the entry requirements, and submit all necessary documents. Secondly, the applicant must pass the interview, wherein the applicant’s attitude will be the main focus. Please contact us for further details. Back to VCS FAQs

11. What is the Train Now Pay Later (TNPL) program?
The Train Now Pay Later (TNPL) is a financial assistance program, wherein the student/trainee will be allowed to take up the course, by paying a minimum of 50% to maximum of 70% of the course fee (on installment basis), and the balance to be paid by ACI-ITD’s industry partner, Transcripro. Please contact us for details. Back to VCS FAQs

12. Do I need to have my own personal computer (PC) to take up the course?
Not necessarily, but it would always be an advantage for you to own one since a personal computer (desktop or laptop) is the basic tool for any BPO practitioner. Back to VCS FAQs

13. Do I need to have internet connection?
Good for us, Internet penetration in most cities and municipalities is already quite intensive. Wi-fi is quite common and accessible, so any intending BPO practitioner and/or Professional Video Captioner and Subtitlist should aim to have his or her own Internet connection. Back to VCS FAQs

14. Will I need to buy expensive hard bound books and other reference materials?
No need for expensive reference and/or research materials, whether hard or soft copies. We will provide everything to you. Back to VCS FAQs

15. After successfully completing the ACI-ITD Video Captioning and Subtitling (VC&S) course, what proof will I have to show for it?
You will receive a Certificate of Completion, Transcript of Records, and Certificate of Accuracy. Back to VCS FAQs

16. Can I get an actual hands-on, on-the-job training to prepare me for possible employment or to be an independent home-based Video Captioning & Subtitling Specialist?
After the 4-month course, there is a one month intensive 30-day OJT/Practicum. This OJT/Practicum will certainly enhance your VC&S skills. While it is not compulsory for you to take it, we highly recommend that you do so as this will certainly enhance your skills and put to the test your previous learning. Back to VCS FAQs

17. Is there a fee for the OJT?
Inasmuch as we would want to offer it at a more modest fee, however, due to the nature of the online A-Tech real time monitoring, the most reasonable fee we can offer OJT is at P5,000.00 for the 30-day period. Back to VCS FAQs

18. How would you compare Video Captioning and Subtitling (VC&S) to Medical/Legal Transcription and/or General Transcription?
They are entirely different. They each have their own set of rules, their own set of difficulties, and their set of skills. The Professional Video Captioner and Subtitlists, do verbatim transcription, and they have to be very cautious with character counts per line and the display duration of the caption or subtitle. Medical transcriptionists have to check the grammar and consistency of the documents they are doing. Legal Transcriptionists, on the other hand do a variety of documents, some are to be transcribed verbatim and some have to be checked for grammar and consistency. Back to VCS FAQs

19. Some people say that the actual classroom setting is actually better and a more effective method of training in order to become a successful Video Captioning and Subtitling Specialist. How true is this?
Not necessarily true. Some trainees/students feel more comfortable in a classroom setting compared to a home based distance learning set-up. Comparing classroom to distance learning is like comparing apples to oranges; meaning, they each have their strengths and weaknesses. Due to individual differences, preference, and attitude, a trainee/student should have an open mind and the right attitude to maximize learning, whatever the medium may be. Back to VCS FAQs

20. After finishing this course, will I be guaranteed to get a job and/or be able to be an independent home based offshore provider of this service?
Yes, for as long as you become a qualified Professional Video Captioner and Subtitlist, the opportunities are out there. This is aside from the legal and notarized Guaranty of Sub-Contractor Partnership that we offer. Contact us for more details on the guarantee and partner service contract. Back to VCS FAQs

21. What if for some reason, I cannot have a reliable internet connection, can I do my work at the Transcripro Office and still in effect be a home based independent sub-contractor?
Granting, for some valid reasons, your home/locations cannot have a reasonable internet connection, you can surely opt to do your work at the TPI office. Back to VCS FAQs

22. What are the local and foreign industry rates for off-line Video Captioning and Subtitling?
Local rates could be a low of US $20.00 per media hour to a high of US $40.00 per media hour. Direct offshore industry rates could be anywhere from US $40.00 to US $50.00 per media hour. Back to VCS FAQs

23. What is the expected income from employment from local employment?
Since this is will be a new industry due to the recent passing into law of the RA 10905 (Philippine Captioning Law), we can safely project that rates for real time captioners for local employment would be around 30% of whatever is the US rate. Back to VCS FAQs

24. What is the industry standard accuracy for entry level Professional Video Captioner and Subtitlist?
Transcripro Philippines’ entry level accuracy is 95%, although all VC&S Specialists always aim to do better and achieve an ideal accuracy level not to go below 98%. The BPO offshore industry is all about quality, quality, quality and a lot of Filipinos have proven their worth in terms of professional skills at the offshore BPO industry. Back to VCS FAQs

25. How much can I earn as a qualified and competent Professional Video Captioner and Subtitlist?
As an independent (off-line) Sub-Contractor for Transcripro Philippines Inc., base rate is US $30.00 per hour of video material. At a maximum of Two (2) video hours per day = US $60.00 per day x 26 days (Monday to Saturday or 6 days a week ) = US $1,560.00 or PHP65,520.00 per month (1 USD = PHP42.00). Other Philippine-based companies may have similar or even higher rates. However, direct offshore rates are definitely higher but this require greater technical and related support. Back to VCS FAQs

26. What are the long term prospects in terms of demand for a Professional Video Captioner and Subtitlist skills in the Philippines and abroad?
Video captioning and subtitling is here to stay and grow, as more and more countries make it a law for their videos to be accessible to everyone. Sooner or later, everything we watch on TV, internet, and all videos for the public viewing will be captioned. People are needed to do that job. Back to VCS FAQs

27. While taking up the ACI-ITD Professional Video Captioning and Subtitling course, it would be normal for me to have academic and/or technical questions and concerns. Who will I contact or consult for this?
If you are taking up the classroom-based training course, you can drop by the center during business hours or send an e-mail (to the officer concerned) and address your concerns. If you are taking up the distance learning course, simply send an email to A-Tech support for your concerns. All academic and technical concerns should be e-mailed to atechsupport@itdynamicsphil.com. Back to VCS FAQs

28. Is the ACI-ITD Professional Video Captioning and Subtitling course also offered for distance learning?
Yes, we are now offering Distance Learning for Video Captioning and Subtitling. This means you can take up the course anywhere you are and at your own pace and time. We have two forms of Distance Learning, the ON-LINE VERSION and the HARD-COPY VERSION. For On-line version, all materials are made available for you to download. For Hard-copy version, we will send you (or you can pick them up at our center) your modules and DVDs. Back to VCS FAQs

29. If I enroll in the ACI-ITD distance learning Professional Video Captioning and Subtitling course and I go abroad before I have finished the course, can I still continue taking up the course?
Yes, you can continue taking up the course via our Distance Learning program. This is one of the obvious advantages of distance learning, and with the advent of internet technology there really are no geographical boundaries that can set one back from becoming a qualified Professional Video Captioner and Subtitlist. At present, ACI and its sub-licensees have trainees/enrollees based at different countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia and other countries. Back to VCS FAQs

30. Will I derive a considerable savings if I take up the ACI –ITD home-based/distance learning Professional Video Captioning and Subtitling course?
Normally, savings on home based/distance learning course is your transportation and time going to and from the training center, which is a considerable savings for a cost and time conscious person. Back to VCS FAQs

31. I heard about On-line Video Captioning and Subtitling. What is the distinction/difference between off-line and on-line VC&S?
Online captioning is done live and realtime, by Broadcast Captioners or CART Providers. Live or realtime captioning is needed for television news programs, conferences, lectures, or anything that needs live viewing. Pre-recorded TV programs and other videos that don’t need live viewing are captioned off-line. Usually, it is the off-line captioning jobs that are being outsourced. Realtime captioning, is a very high-paying job. Back to VCS FAQs

32. Does the ITD Group offer start-up consultancy services and training to interested parties who may want to set up their own Video Captioning and Subtitling Company/Facility?
Most definitely, yes. Just get in touch with us to set –up an appointment and discuss the related fees. By the way, on the year 2006 and 2007, TPI and the IT Dynamics Group conducted at least three (3) successful seminar workshops to the general public. These seminar-workshops of how to set up an MT Company and Call Center Business were held at the Hotel Nikko Manila Garden Hotel with 35 attendees, Makati Sports Club with 55 attendees, and the Cebu Waterfront Hotel will 28 attendees, aside from the numerous one-on-one business developments sessions conducted. Back to VCS FAQs

33. Will ACI-ITD be offering training for live/realtime video captioning?
Yes, the ACI-ITD will be offering a 60 days specialized course for realtime captioning to a select group of successful trainees/graduates and/or to those who already possess the required skills and competencies. Back to VCS FAQs

34. What is Transcripro Philippines, Inc., and how is it related to the IT Dynamics Group (American Correspondence Institute/ACI Learning Systems)?
Transcripro Philippines Inc. (TPI / www.transcripro.net) was incorporated on the year 2004 to principally engage and offer various Business Process Outsourcing/Offshore Services (medical, legal, and general transcription and related backroom BPO services). TPI was in fact the first Medical Transcription (MT) PEZA locator in the Philippines at the Baguio PEZA. On 2004, TPI also offered classroom based medical transcription training at the Lyman Ogilby Bldg., Magsaysay Avenue in order to enhance filling in its large demand for MTs. However, after being convinced that MT does not necessarily have to be learned through a classroom set-up, the management of TPI opted to close the training center after close to a year of operations. On the year 2005, TPI entered into a joint venture agreement with the IT Dynamics Transcription Services that was the appointed exclusive Philippine representative of the American Correspondence Institute (ACI). ACI (or ACI Learning Systems), on the other hand, is a Florida (USA) based distance learning MT and LT training provider which opened its doors to the general public on the year 2005 with office at the 17th Floor, Cityland 10 Bldg., Salcedo Village, Makati City for which the IT Dynamics Group held office for the period 2005 – 2009. At one point in time, ITD-ACI had up to 14 branches nationwide during the peak and popularity of MT training. Thus the close and extensive partnership was born, and to date, the ITD-ACI Learning Systems continues to be the training provider for all of TPI’s skilled human resource needs. On the year 2012, the ACI Learning Systems had developed a training program for Video Captioning and Subtitling for the exclusive use of its Philippine representative, the IT Dynamics Group. Likewise, an arrangement has been made for TPI to hire all qualified ITD-ACI graduates that meets its entry-level requirements. Back to VCS FAQs

35. Will ITD-ACI offer this course for the benefit of other institutions who might be interested to immediately offer this course?
Since ITD-ACI is the first in the Philippines to offer this course, we are expecting and hopeful that other institutions (technical schools, training centers, entrepreneurs and other business people) would want to offer this particular course and training, and perhaps set up their own BPO VC&S facility. After all, we are all in the same team – Team Philippines. In line with this, ITD-ACI is offering 2 types of possible business affiliations/opportunities in the field of training. If interested, please get in touch for more details. Back to VCS FAQs

36. After all the information contained in this FAQ section, I feel that I still need a little more information. Can I talk to you for more information?
Sure, feel free to get in touch with us, Transcripro’s CEO, COO, and other Partners who all have an extensive experience in the Philippine and International BPO situation will be more than glad to share whatever information there is to share, no holds barred at that, as we are all part of team Philippines! Back to VCS FAQs

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION

1. How long will the ACI Medical Transcription Course take to finish?
2. Do I need to have my own personal computer (PC) to take up the course?
3. Do I need to have internet connection?
4. After successfully completing the ACI Medical Transcription Course, what proof will I have to show for it?
5. After successfully completing the ACI Medical Transcription Course, can I get actual hands-on, on-the-job training to prepare me for possible employment or to be an independent home-based Medical Transcriptionist?
6. How much will I spend to take the ACI Medical Transcription Course?
7. Is the ACI Professional MT course, home based curriculum (modular system and on-line version) TESDA registered/accredited?
8. What benefit will I get from the certificates that ACI-ITD issues to its graduates (certificate of completion, transcript of records and certificates of accuracy)?
9. If I enroll in the ACI Home-based Professional MT course and I go abroad before I have finished the course, can I still continue taking the course?
10. Will I derive a considerable savings if I take up the ACI home-based/distance learning professional MT Course?
11. Does IT Dynamics offer a guarantee hire program like the other classroom setting MT training centers?
12. What is the industry standard accepted accuracy (entry level) for new Medical Transcriptionists?
13. How much do Philippine MTs earn in a month?
14. What are the long term prospects in terms of demand for an MT’s skills in the Philippines and abroad?
15. While taking up the ACI Professional MT course, it would be normal for me to have academic and/or technical questions and concerns. Who will I contact or consult for this?
16. Will I not need to buy expensive hard bound books and other reference materials?
17. Some people say that the actual classroom setting is actually better and easier for me to learn and is a more effective method of training in order to become a successful MT. How true is this?
18. After finishing the ACI MT Course and I prefer to do home based Medical Transcription work, can I do so right away?
19. At present how many Medical Transcription companies or facilities are there in the Philippines?
20. Does IT Dynamics offer start-up consultancy services and training to interested parties who may want to set up their own Medical Transcription Company/facility?
21. What if I am not an ACI trainee/enrollee, since I heard that you offer a comprehensive on line on the job training (OJT), can I avail of this?
2. How long will the ACI Medical Transcription Course take to finish?
The course is designed to be self-paced. Completion time depends on the individual student’s effort. The total time required is approximately 300 hours. On the average, students complete the course in 3-6 months. Remember, this depends entirely on how many hours a student is able to commit to the course. Some students have passed the course faster and some have taken longer. Completion time will depend on the amount of time the students can dedicate to the course and the abilities of each student; it is after all a self paced program. Back to MT FAQs

3. Do I need to have my own personal computer (PC) to take up the course? What if I cannot afford to own one?
Yes, you need your own PC; and the good news is, if you cannot afford to buy one, IT Dynamics and some of its sub-licensees/area franchisees offer an affordable own-a-computer plan for as low as Php3,835.00 – Cash, and Php4,250.00 – Installment (60-day term) for a Pentium II refurbished complete unit, which includes CPU, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse & Pad (with 3 months warranty). For installment, make a downpayment of Php2,000.00 and the balance of Php2,250.00 will be payable in 2 months at Php1,125.00 (30 days apart). Back to MT FAQs

4. Do I need to have internet connection?
No, not necessarily, as you have several options on securing the modules and CDs. They can either be delivered to you, mailed (express mail, regular mail or even door to door courier), or you can pick them up yourself. If you take the purely on line course and do away with the hassles of snail mailing, then you need an internet connection. You will also need an internet connection if you will take the on-line OJT with us. Back to MT FAQs

5. After successfully completing the ACI Medical Transcription Course, what proof will I have to show for it?
ACI through IT Dynamics will issue you a Certificate of Completion, Transcript of Records (TOR) and Certificates of Accuracy (before and after OJT). Back to MT FAQs

6. After successfully completing the ACI Medical Transcription Course, can I get actual hands-on, on-the-job training to prepare me for possible employment, or to be an independent home-based Medical Transcriptionist?
After completing the course (14 modules and 9 CDs) IT Dynamics guarantees to provide a 150-hour on-line on-the-job training (OJT) knowing that in most instances the trainee/enrollee would need to hone up on their newly acquired MT skills. On instances that a trainee, after accomplishing the required modules has shown an exemplary accuracy level he/she may opt to take up their OJT at an existing MT facility. For this purpose we provide the necessary letter(s) of recommendation/referrals supported by the results of their pre-OJT proficiency test indicated in their first Certificate of Accuracy. Back to MT FAQs

7. How much will I spend to take the ACI Medical Transcription Course?
An on-line and/or home-based Medical Transcription Course in the US can easily cost over a thousand US dollars. However, due to IT Dynamics’ desire to support the Philippine Government’s (TESDA’s) jobs creation program, for the benefit of the Filipino people, we are offering the ACI Home-based Medical Transcription Course (Modular systems – with 14 modules and 9 CDs) for a low cash price of Php17,850.00. For installment payments (add 5% to the cash price) for a net total price of Php 18,742.50; minimum down payment of Php3,570.00 and the balance payable on three (3) to four (4) equal payments.

For the purely on-line version of the MT Course, you get a 15% discount and save up to Php2,677.50, or for a low cash price of only Php15,172.50. For installment payments (add 5% to the cash price) for a net total price of Php15,931.00; minimum downpayment of Php3,186.20 and the balance payable on 3-4 equal payments. Talk to your ACI representative and find out more about our group discounts and family member discounts. Back to MT FAQs

8. Is the ACI Professional MT Course home-based curriculum (modular system and on-line version) TESDA registered/accredited?
At present, the ACI Professional MT course is not yet TESDA registered/accredited for the simple reason that TESDA still does not have guidelines for home-based training. We at ITD have already written the TESDA Director General, Hon. Augusto Syjuco Jr. on March 19, 2005 and November 30, 2005 informing his office that we would want the ACI Professional MT course to be registered and/or accredited by TESDA. In fact, it was only last February 2005 that TESDA issued their first TESDA accreditation to an MT training center (classroom setting; the training center is TTSI at Quezon City ). To date, the other training centers are either TESDA registered, TESDA accredited, or neither. The distinction between a TESDA registered and TESDA accredited center are as follows: A TESDA registered center is classified as NTR (No-Training Regulations) whereas a TESDA accredited center is WTR (With Training Regulations).

Inasmuch as we at IT Dynamics Group are very much in support of TESDA and are closely coordinating with them for the development of guidelines for TESDA accreditation of MT distance learning curricula, we however believe that our fellow Filipinos should not be deprived from availing of the benefits of a tested and proven (in the US and in the Philippines) effective curriculum.

Furthermore, as far as we know, MT companies, both local and foreign, do not bother to ask if a graduate of an MT course came from and/or took up the course from a TESDA accredited/registered institution. In fact, there are a lot of professional MTs who did not even undergo any formal school/home based training, but learned on-the-job and were given training (in-house) by existing MT companies themselves (among other methods of learning). Therefore, as far as we know, MT companies do not discriminate given that the demand for MTs is very great at the moment. It would be counter productive for an MT company to discriminate on an aspiring MT on the basis of not get training from a TESDA accredited/registered institution, as the company may be missing out on some very good Medical Transcriptionists. What is of a greater concern by an MT company and/or MT contractor is the MT’s competence (in terms of accuracy and output). Afterall, MT companies still give their own entry level testing prior to hiring and/or providing contracts of work, irregardless of where an aspiring MT may have graduated, whether it be in the most expensive MT school in the country with the so-called claim of having the best and the brightest trainors. The bottom line is, individuals develop their MT skills at different levels (some make it, some excel, some don’t make it). MT companies know this, that is why MT companies still give their own entry level testing prior to hiring. back to MT FAQs

9. What benefit will I get from the certificates that ACI-ITD issues to its graduates (certificate of completion, transcript of records, and Certificates of Accuracy)?
The certificate of completion that ITD-ACI issues is proof that an enrollee/trainee has taken up the ACI Professional MT course and the on-line OJT that comes with it. The Transcript of Records (TOR) that ACI-ITD issues is an indicator of the trainee’s grades/rating on the exercises given in the modules. Based on our experience with our graduates and feedback from existing local and foreign MT companies, the MT companies are more concerned with the certificates of accuracy that we issue. The first certificate of accuracy is issued after taking the first proficiency test which is given right after completion of all modules. The second certificate of accuracy is issued right after taking the second proficiency test, which is given after taking the OJT. By having these two (2) certificates of accuracy, an MT company will have a pretty good idea on the competence of an MT-applicant.

What this simply means is that, the accuracy level/rating of an MT- applicant can be used as a basis for the MT company as to whether or not they will bother to administer their own entry level testing to the MT-applicant, for why would an MT company bother to waste their precious time to administer their own entry level testing to an aspiring MT who has a certificate of accuracy that is way below the minimum threshold entry level. On further feedback from our graduates, if the accuracy level rating indicated in the certificate of accuracy is below the MT company’s minimum acceptable (standard/threshold level) for hiring, then, they do not bother to administer tests; however, if the MT- applicant’s certificate of accuracy indicates that the accuracy level is higher or at least near the MT company’s minimum entry level standards, then, the MT companies may consider giving their own entry level testing. back to MT FAQs

10. If I enroll in the ACI Home-based Professional MT course and I go abroad before I have finished the course, can I continue taking the course?
Yes, you can continue taking up the course. You can bring with you the modules, or download your modules/exercises at the on-line version of the course. This is one of the obvious advantages of distance learning; and with the advent of internet technology there really are no geographical boundaries that can set one back from becoming a Professional MT. At present, IT Dynamics and its sub-licensees have trainees/enrollees based in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Canada and even some who have migrated and are now working in the US. back to MT FAQs

11. Will I derive a considerable savings if I take up the ACI home based/distance learning professional MT Course?
Yes, you will have considerable savings, not to mention the cost of transportation to and from the training center and other incidental expenses related to training, which has been estimated to be approximately Php 2,500.00 per month for a 5-days-a-week training. If you take up the purely on line version, you get to save more. Back to MT FAQs

12. Does IT Dynamics offer a guarantee hire program like the other classroom setting MT training centers?
In all honesty, (given the literal meaning of the term “guarantee hire program,”) there is no such thing as a guarantee hire program. All guarantees for hiring are premised and are on condition that an MT trainee/student, after taking up the MT training course is capable and qualified to do the job. What this therefore simply means is that, first of all the MT trainee/applicant must be qualified to do MT work, meaning their accuracy level must not go below the minimum entry level requirements set by the MT companies, which is usually not below 90%.

The situation of an MT trainee/student is the same as in other courses, wherein if the student does not pass the academic requirements then he/or she is not allowed to take up the board exam (if the course requires a board exam by the PRC). No company will hire a flunker. In our case, what we issue aside from the recommendations and referrals to existing local MT companies is what we call our Guarantee Certificate of MT partnership for possible local sub-contracting work aside from the inclusion of the successful ACI graduate in what is called the ACI JOB HUNTERS SUPPORT PROGRAM. This is a service offered by ACI-USA to its successful graduates wherein the names and other credentials of the successful graduates are included in ACI’s mailing list and sent out (electronically) on a monthly basis for a period of one (1) year to the different MT companies, MDs and other offices/institutions that may be in need of Medical Transcription services. This is done so that the qualified ACI graduates may develop their own direct contacts, and if qualified, do home-based MT work and/or put up their own micro-MT company. Back to MT FAQs

13. What is the industry standard accuracy level for new Medical Transcriptionists?
Based on our survey of existing local MT companies, the lowest entry level (threshold) accuracy rating we have seen is a 90% accuracy. Others require a higher entry level accuracy rating, most require a 93% to 95% accuracy rating. Back to MT FAQs

13. How much do MTs in the Philippines earn in a month?
This would vary depending on the MT company/contractor, as some companies pay purely on a productivity basis, meaning on a per line basis (65-character line). Some pay on a monthly basis (but with a daily and/or monthly quota). Some do both and offer a fixed monthly rate plus productivity based incentives and bonuses. However, based on what we have seen and based on media news reports professional Medical Transcriptionists have been reported to earn from a low of Php10,000.00 to Php50,000 per month, some earning even more – this would of course basically depend on the MT’s ability, skills, diligence, etc. Back to MT FAQs

14. What are the long term prospects in terms of demand for an MTs’ skills in the Philippines and abroad?
According to the AAMT (now AHDI) and the MTIA, due to the present practicing MTs who are retiring on an annual basis at a considerable rate, there is being created, an annual demand of approximately 20,000 MTs worldwide. While the demand for Medical Transcriptionists declined in the Philippines, this is not the case in the US, Canada, Australia. In fact, the demand for Medical Transcriptionists in Middle Eastern hospitals is increasing. Back to MT FAQs

15. While taking up the ACI Professional MT course, it would be normal for me to have academic and/or technical questions and concerns. Who will I contact or consult for this?
For all academic and/or technical concerns you can send an e-mail to atechsupport@itdynamicsphil.com or go to the A-Tech Support link to submit your concerns. The team will get back to you ASAP. Back to MT FAQs

16. Will I not need to buy expensive hard bound books and other reference materials?
You can buy hard bound books and other reference materials if you choose to, but it is not required and/or necessary. We provide to all ACI trainees/enrollees a listing of the usable internet websites for their reference. Back to MT FAQs

17. Some people say that the actual classroom setting is actually better and easier for me to learn and is a more effective method of training in order to become a successful MT. How true is this?
Admittedly, distance and/or home-based learning is not for everyone and may not necessarily be applicable to all types of courses/training (for more information on this please refer to the Resources link). What one must remember with regard to medical transcription training is that MT IS A SKILL, therefore, in fact one can develop and learn the skills whether one is in the office, at home or elsewhere, provided that learning has to be done in front of a computer/PC supported by a proven and affective distance learning modules.

Proof of this is, when you do your own research and check out the internet, you will notice that aside from ACI, there are a lot of other home based/on line distance learning MT courses being offered in the United States, which has for so many years, been a proven and effective method in training MTs. If the Americans have found and proven that distance learning is as good or even better than classroom setting, are we Filipinos supposed to be any different from them and not welcome and take advantage of the benefits of on line/distance learning? What one should perhaps ask is if the particular MT curriculum has been proven and effective. In our case, we are proud to say that the ACI Professional Medical Transcription Home Based/On Line Learning course curriculum, that is part of the ACI Learning Systems, has been proven to be effective both locally and abroad. Back to MT FAQs

18. After finishing the ACI MT Course and I prefer to do home based Medical Transcription work, can I do so right away?
Yes and No. Yes, you can venture into home-based MT work if you happen to be qualified in terms of accuracy, MT skill, competence, have the right hardware (PC), have the right software, etc. No you must not do home – based MT work if you are not that good with your MT skills, are not fully knowledgeable and compliant with HIPAA, do not have the necessary infrastructure (fast internet connection, the right PC, etc…) Back to MT FAQs

19. At present how many Medical Transcription companies or facilities are there in the Philippines?
Based on news reports and other sources there are at least thirty five (35) MT companies throughout the Philippines (and counting). This number is expected to grow as more and more business people are looking to open up more MT companies/facilities. Back to MT FAQs

20. Does IT Dynamics offer start-up consultancy services and training to interested parties who may want to set up their own Medical Transcription Company/facility?
IT Dynamics, in joint effort with its affiliate MT companies, offers start-up consultancy services to interested parties. For more details please our Business Opportunities link. Back to MT FAQs

21. What if I am not an ACI trainee/enrollee, since I heard that you offer a comprehensive on line on the job training (OJT), can I avail of this?
On a case to case basis we accommodate trainees from other centers/schools for OJT after assessing their competence. All one has to do is e-mail to us a letter of intent, a copy of your grades indicating your level of proficiency (or its equivalent). We however charge a nominal fee for this. Back to MT FAQs

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON LEGAL TRANSCRIPTION

If you cannot find the answers to your questions here, please contact us.

1. Can you give me a general background on Legal Transcription?
2. How can I tell if being a Legal Transcriptionist is for me?
3. Is Legal Transcription easy to learn?
4. Do I need any previous education or experience?
5. How much do Legal Transcriptionists earn?
6. Who will I be working for?
7. How long will the ACI Legal Transcription Course take to finish?
8. Do I need to have my own personal computer (PC) to take up the course? What if I cannot afford to own one?
9. Do I need to have internet connection?
10. After successfully completing the ACI Legal Transcription Course, what proof will I have to show for it?
11. How much will I spend to take the ACI Legal Transcription Course?
12. What benefit will I get from the certificates that ACI-ITD issues to its graduates (certificate of completion and transcript of records)?
13. If I enroll in the ACI Home-based Professional LT course and I go abroad before I have finished the course, can I continue taking the course?
14. While taking up the ACI Professional LT course, it would be normal for me to have academic and/or technical questions and concerns. Who will I contact or consult for this?
15. Will I not need to buy expensive hard bound books and other reference materials?
16. Does IT Dynamics offer a guarantee hire program like the other classroom setting courses that claim to have a guarantee hire program?
17. What are the long term prospects in terms of demand for a Legal Transcriptionist skills in the Philippines and abroad?
18. Some people say that the actual classroom setting is actually better and easier for me to learn and is a more effective method of training in order to become a Legal Transcriptionist , how true is this?
19. After finishing the ACI LT Course and I prefer to do home based Legal Transcription work, can I do so right away?
20. Does IT Dynamics offer start-up consultancy services and training to interested parties who may want to set up their own Legal Transcription Company/facility?

1. Can you give me a general background on Legal Transcription?
Virtually everything that takes place in the civil and criminal court systems requires hard copy documentation. The information is either dictated or recorded in the courtroom or at deposition hearings, as well as in law offices in less official settings. This data may include testimonies, pleadings, interrogatories (questions and answers), reviews of administrative hearings and the like. The process used for operations is the same as that in the medical transcription industry.

Utilizing legal transcription services is hugely beneficial to both the attorney and to consumers at large as specifically delegated and supervised legally substantive work is performed and distributed. Also, as attorneys realize that their own productivity and cost efficiency is maximized through utilizing paralegal services and legal transcription services, demand will increase and new opportunities will arise for those offering these services. While the exact size of the industry is not known, according to the findings of National Federation of Paralegals Associations (NFPA), the demand for paralegals and legal transcriptionists is increasing rapidly and it is estimated that by 2005, there will be a need for between 150,000 and 176,000 paralegals in the US.

The main users of these services are attorneys and law firms, courts, public defenders’ and prosecutors’ offices, public utility companies, publicly funded legal service projects and community legal service programms. The other users would be corporate legal departments, insurance companies, financial institutions, real estate and title agencies, state and federal government agencies.

The scope of work may include drafting and filing legal documents, calendaring and tracking important deadlines, assisting attorneys to prepare for trials, documenting relevant facts and information pertaining to a lawsuit, using computers and related software and other reference material to research and document law and to prepare the documents used. Legal transcriptionists may become so proficient that they can actually undertake paralegal duties as well.

2. How can I tell if being a Legal Transcriptionist is for me?
There is of course no sure fire way of determining if the LegaI Transcription field or becoming a Legal Transcriptionist will suit you fine. However, there are a few indicators you may want to consider. If you have at least average typing skills and can learn and retain what you’ve learned perhaps becoming a Legal Transcriptionist could be for you, aside form the possibility of being able to work at home . Although, there are other considerations, like more independence of time, greater freedom of schedules and others that make legal and/or similar transcription work nowadays quite attractive, profitable and worthwhile field.

3. Is Legal Transcription easy to learn?
With the ACI Professional Legal Transcription course you will learn how to step by step transcribe with our unique learning system that includes transcription sessions.
The course is streamlined, comprehensive and user friendly. You will learn to enter the legal field and do a variety of things. It is designed to teach the functions and processes of institutions in legal system, roles and issues in the field, and selected specialties of law.

Students will need a good English dictionary and a Legal dictionary would be helpful, though you can find most of the terms they will need on the Internet search engines. Students will find this course fun and informative and even if they never pursue a career in the law fields, it’s great information for them and their family and friends since law impacts every aspect of our daily lives.

4. Do I need any previous education or experience?
You need no previous legal experience. You must be able to read, write and understand directions to begin the course. As you progress, you will need to develop some typing skills. If you don’t currently know how to type, part of the course includes a handy but comprehensive typing tutorial .

5. How much do Legal Transcriptionists earn?
A legal transcriptionist in the United States of America (USA) earns anywhere between $15-$25 an hour which works out to 6-10 cents per line or $1.5-$3 per page. Proficient transcriptionists can achieve productivity anywhere up to 300 lines per hour. Companies charge between $23 to $34 per hour, which is approximately equal to 10 minutes of dictation. Legal transcription services are usually paid on par with medical transcription services. However, the rates mentioned here could vary depending on the state one is in and the specific type of service.

6. Who will I be working for?
Legal Transcriptionists work directly for lawyers, court reporters, law offices, transcribing service companies and other transcription service contractors/providers etc.. . Or you may opt to venture into business for yourself and put up your own legal transcription company, perhaps at a micro level to begin with and join the huge BPO bandwagon.

7. How long will the ACI Legal Transcription Course take to finish?
The course is designed to be self-paced. Completion time depends on the individual student’s effort. On the average, students complete the course in 3 months or slightly more. Remember, this depends entirely on how many hours a student is able to commit to the course. Some students have passed the course faster and some have taken longer. Completion time will depend on the amount of time the students can dedicate to the course and the abilities of each student; it is after all a self paced program.

8. Do I need to have my own personal computer (PC) to take up the course? What if I cannot afford to own one?
Yes, you need your own PC; and the good news is, if you cannot afford to buy one, IT Dynamics and some of its sub-licensees/area franchisees offer an affordable own-a-computer plan for as low as Php3,835.00 – Cash, and Php4,250.00 – Installment (60-day term) for a Pentium II refurbished complete unit, which includes CPU, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse & Pad (with 3 months warranty). For installment, make a downpayment of Php2,000.00 and the balance of Php2,250.00 will be payable in 2 months at Php1,125.00 (30 days apart).

9. Do I need to have internet connection?
For the Modular hard copy version of the course (which is what is available in the meantime) internet connection is not necessary. Eventually, for those who may opt to take the on line version, having your own internet connection is advisable.

10. After successfully completing the ACI Legal Transcription Course, what proof will I have to show for it?
ACI through IT Dynamics will issue you a Certificate of Completion and Transcript of Records (TOR) .

11. How much will I spend to take the ACI Legal Transcription Course?
An on-line and/or home-based Legal Transcription Course in the US can easily cost close to or over a thousand US dollars. However, due to IT Dynamics’ desire to support the Philippine Government’s (TESDA’s) jobs creation program, for the benefit of the Filipino people, we are offering the ACI Home-based Legal Transcription Course (Modular systems – with 5 modules and 3 CDs) for a low cash price of Php16,150.00. For installment payments (add 5% to the cash price) for a net total price of Php 16,957.50; for low down payment Php3,000.00 and the balance payable on three (3) to four (4) equal payments

12. What benefit will I get from the certificates that ACI-ITD issues to its graduates (certificate of completion and transcript of records)?
The certificate of completion that ITD-ACI issues is proof that an enrollee/trainee has taken up the ACI Professional Legal Transcription course. The Transcript of Records (TOR) that ACI-ITD issues is an indicator of the trainee’s grades/rating on the exercises given in the modules together with the results of the proficiency test that will be administered at the end of the course.

13. If I enroll in the ACI Home-based Professional LT course and I go abroad before I have finished the course, can I continue taking the course?
Yes, you can continue taking up the course. You can bring with you the modules, or download your modules/exercises at the on-line version of the course (when available). This is one of the obvious advantages of distance learning; and with the advent of internet technology there really are no geographical boundaries that can set one back from becoming a Professional LT.

14. While taking up the ACI Professional LT course, it would be normal for me to have academic and/or technical questions and concerns. Who will I contact or consult for this?
For all academic and/or technical concerns you can send an e-mail to atechsupport@itdynamicsphil.com or go to the A-Tech Support link and submit your concerns. The team will get back to you ASAP.

15. Will I not need to buy expensive hard bound books and other reference materials?
You can buy hard bound books and other reference materials if you choose to, but it is not required and/or necessary. We provide to all ACI trainees/enrollees a listing of the usable internet websites for their reference.

16. Does IT Dynamics offer a guarantee hire program like the other classroom setting courses that claim to have a guarantee hire program?
In all honesty (given the literal meaning of the term “guarantee hire program,”) there is no such thing as a guarantee hire program. All guarantees for hiring are premised and are on condition that the trainee/student, after taking up the training course is capable and qualified to do the job. What this therefore simply means is that, first of all the LT trainee/applicant must be qualified to do LT work.

The situation of an ACI LT trainee/student is the same as in other courses, wherein if the student does not pass the academic requirements then he/or she is not allowed to take up the board exam (if the course requires a board exam by the PRC). No company will hire a flunker. In our case, what an ACI LT graduate can avail of is the inclusion of the successful ACI graduate in what is called the ACI JOB HUNTERS SUPPORT PROGRAM. This is a service offered by ACI-USA to its successful graduates wherein the names and other credentials of the successful graduates are included in ACI’s mailing list and sent out (electronically) on a monthly basis for a period of one (1) year to the different LT companies, LT service providers, Law Offices and other offices/institutions that may be in need of Legal Transcription services. This is done so that the qualified ACI graduates may develop their own direct contacts, and if qualified, do home-based LT work and/or put up their own micro-LT company.

17. What are the long term prospects in terms of demand for a Legal Transcriptionist skills in the Philippines and abroad?
While the exact size of the industry is not known, according to the findings of National Federation of Paralegals Associations (NFPA), the demand for paralegals and legal transcriptionists is increasing rapidly and it is estimated that by 2005, there will be a need for between 150,000 and 176,000 paralegals in the US.

18. Some people say that the actual classroom setting is actually better and easier for me to learn and is a more effective method of training in order to become a Legal Transcriptionist , how true is this?
At the moment (June 2006) we do not know of any classroom type/setting that offers Legal transcription training, nor have we heard of any on-line and/or distance learning course on Legal Transcription that is being offered at a reasonable price like the ACI LT Course. However, admittedly, distance and/or home-based learning is not for everyone and may not necessarily be applicable to all types of courses/training (for more information on this please refer to the Resources link). What one must remember with regard to Legal Transcription training is that LT IS A SKILL, therefore, in fact one can develop and learn the skills whether one is in the office, at home or elsewhere, provided that learning has to be done in front of a computer/PC supported by a proven and affective distance learning modules.

Proof of this is, when you do your own research and check out the internet, you will notice that aside from ACI, there are a lot of other home based/on line distance learning LT courses being offered in the United States, which has for so many years, been a proven and affective method in training LTs. If the Americans have found and proven that distance learning is as good or even better than classroom setting, are we Filipinos supposed to be any different from them and not welcome and take advantage of the benefits of on-line/distance learning? What one should perhaps ask is if the particular LT curriculum has been proven and effective. In our case, we are proud to say that the ACI Professional Legal Transcription Home Based/On-Line Learning course curriculum, that is part of the ACI Learning Systems, has been proven to be effective both locally and abroad.

19. After finishing the ACI LT Course and I prefer to do home based Legal Transcription work, can I do so right away?
Yes and No. Yes, you can venture into home-based LT work if you happen to be qualified and you have the right hardware (PC), have the right software, etc. No you must not do home – based legal transcription work if you are not that good with your LT skills, do not have the necessary infrastructure (fast internet connection, the right PC, etc…)

20. Does IT Dynamics offer start-up consultancy services and training to interested parties who may want to set up their own Legal Transcription Company/facility?
IT Dynamics, in joint effort with its affiliate LT companies, offers start-up consultancy services to interested parties. For more details please check out the Business Opportunities link.