Traditional Data Entry Jobs

• Medical transcriptionist training can be done online. Alistair Berg/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  Data entry jobs now offer job seekers several advantages. Basic data entry jobs, such as key entry operators require little formal training. Most employers are happy if an applicant can meet their speed and accuracy requirements. Other forms of data entry jobs, such as legal and medical transcriptionists require a more formal education. Some data entry jobs also offer the job seeker the opportunity to work from home.

Data Entry Keyers

• A data entry keyer takes information from paper and places it into a computer. The information is then stored for record keeping or research purposes. A data entry keyer might work for a bank, business or a health care facility. To work in the field, most employers are happy with a high school diploma, according to StateUniversity.com. Employers are more concerned with the person's ability to enter data quickly and accurately. The Bureau of Labor Statistics places the average salary for data key workers between $26,000 to $29,000 per year.

Word Processors

• A word processing job might require a person to prepare reports, written correspondence or other types of documents in type written form. Word processing jobs exist in several industries, including law, government, the health care field and technology. Working in word processing requires little formal education. Good typing skills are required as well as a good command of the English language. Word processors are often expected to proofread their own documents for errors, so accuracy also is an essential skill. A high school education is usually the minimum requirement, but some word processing applicants will pursue certified courses through business or community colleges.

Medical Transcription

• Another form of a data entry position is medical transcription. Working in medical transcription does require some formal training. Applicants can become certified through taking courses at a community college. A medical transcriptionist will need training in anatomy, medical terminology and even legal issues in medicine. A medical transcriptionist often will work in a doctors office, hospital or other health care setting. They transcribe doctors' notes or voice recordings into type written form for record keeping. The field of medical transcription is expected to grow. The Bureau of Labor statistics estimates the field to grow by 11 percent over the next decade. The Bureau also states that the work opportunities will be best for those that are certified.