Court Reporting B070602 (Full-Time)
Classes
 | August 24, 2010 |
MTWRF (8 am - 2 pm)
|
$9,123.00 / $1,314.00
| Tuition: |
$6,470.00
|
| Startup Costs: |
$1,314.00 |
| Fees: |
$18.00 |
| Insurance: |
$0.00 |
| Books/Supplies: |
$2,635.00 |
|
|
More Info |
Course Info
Length
32 Months (2850 Clock Hours)
Schedule
Classes meet three days a week at the Erwin site and two days a week online as arranged by the court reporting instructor.
(This program begins each August.)
This program is approved by the National Court Reporters Association.
Basic Skills Exit Requirements
TABE Test Scores: 12th Grade Reading / Math / Language
(In lieu of the TABE test, degreed applicants may submit proof of a U.S. college degree from a regionally accredited institution and complete the Application for Admission. Please click here to view a list of approved regional accrediting agencies.)
Other Requirements
Possess a GED or standard U.S. high school diploma from a school accredited by an approved accrediting association
OR
Possess a college degree from an approved regionally accredited institution
Students should be able to type a minimum of 35 wpm. Observation with Instructor is required.
Students must have online access in order to take advantage of the distance learning option.
Program Description
The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as court reporters, scopists, transcriptionists, or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. The program includes training in a conflict-free theory, which leads to use of computer technology for writing realtime from the program's start.
Students use a computer tutorial for correct writing of outlines. Another area of emphasis is Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT), the process that electronically links a stenotype machine to a computer and translates the written record immediately in transcript format.
Book and Supply Information
The following books and supplies are required for this program. All items listed on the fee sheet (see link below) are available at the Erwin Technical Center Bookstore. The ISBN number is located after each textbook. For the most current fee sheet, please contact the Student Services Office, Financial Aid Office or our Bookstore.
Court Reporting Books and Supplies
Employment/Career Opportunities
Immediate openings and excellent opportunities are available throughout the U.S.
Salaries
Salaries for graduates normally begin at $30,000/year. Many reporters are self-employed.
Placement Rates
2006-07…………..39%
2007-08…………..75%
NOTE: A history of felony convictions or substance abuse may adversely affect your ability to gain employment in this field. We encourage you to consider your personal history when making appropriate career choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the program take 32 months to complete?
Court Reporting is a professional position that requires high speed on the steno machine. At first, students learn machine shorthand theory and build their speed on the machine to 225 words a minute and transcribe with 95 percent accuracy. Court reporting includes learning technology which enables students to write accurately and fast. This takes time and much practice. Also, there are many academic courses students must take in order to develop a broad knowledge in this field. Some students require more than 32 months to meet the speed requirement.
What other job opportunities are graduates qualified for other than court reporting?
Graduates may work as scopists or transcriptionists. There are also opportunities in legal reporting, medical reporting, entertainment reporting, educational reporting, and business reporting. Graduates write realtime in classrooms and report at conferences, conventions and meetings.
Court reporters are prepared to work with deaf/hard-of-hearing people, caption classroom lectures, prepare written transcripts, work with persons who are learning English as a Second Language, and work in medical clinics and law firms.
What are the required rates of speed and accuracy to become certified as court reporters?
The required rates of speed and accuracy are 180 Literacy, 200 Jury Charge, 225 Testimony with 95% Accuracy.
Is there one area in the court reporting field that is more desirable than others?
Some reporters prefer working in courts; others prefer taking depositions. Reporters become part of the legal process and enjoy the variety of the courtroom drama.
Do graduates need to purchase their own equipment before employment?
Yes, graduates need a computerized steno machine, a computer-aided transcription system, a computer with fax capability, and a letter-quality printer. Most reporters are freelance reporters and own all of their own equipment.
Can reporters start their own businesses?
Yes, many reporters have started their own court reporting firms. Freelance reporters, who are independent contractors, have their own businesses.
What are some of the essential personal qualities of good court reporters?
Reporters must have good English/language arts skills, strong medical/legal vocabulary, be self-starters, highly disciplined, flexible and be able to maintain confidentiality. Having a good attitude about the profession is important. Tact and a composed demeanor are essential because reporters work with judges, attorneys, and officers of the court.
What is the earning potential for court reporters?
Income varies depending on the type of reporting jobs and reporter's experience. Yearly starting salaries for self-employed reporters range from $25,000-$35,000. The median income for a reporter with three years experience is about $50,000. Income varies based on the amount of time spent writing and transcribing. Earning potential is only limited by the amount of time reporters are willing to work.
Where have graduates found employment?
Graduates have been employed by U.S. Bankruptcy Court, U.S. Federal Court, Johnson & Associates, Berryhill & Associates, and Robert Dempster & Associates.
Is job placement available upon graduation?
Advisory committee representatives and teachers provide students with guidance and recommendations.
How can I learn more about this career field?
Click here for more information.