The Court Reporting Program prepares students for careers in the exciting field of realtime reporting. Realtime court reporters work in a variety of judicial environments using electronic stenography and computer-aided transcription software to convert the spoken word to text. They use their specialized skills to provide instantaneous translation of judicial proceedings, depositions, conferences and meetings. As “guardians of the record,” court reporters preserve testimony through the preparation of electronic transcripts.
To become certified by the National Court Reporters Association with the designation of “Registered Professional Reporter,” these writing wizards must demonstrate the ability to take down two-voice testimony at 225 words per minute, jury charge at 200 words per minute, and literary at 180 words per minute and must pass a comprehensive written knowledge test.
Reatime court reporters may be employed by Federal Courts, State Courts, or freelance deposition firms. Trained realtime reporters may also hone their skills to pursue alternative career paths. Realtime steno-captioners provide instantaneous translation of live television programming, emergency broadcasts, sporting events, and even webcasts, ensuring the FCC mandates for closed-captioning are met. Realtime reporters may also work in a variety of educational and business settings providing Communications Access Realtime Translation (CART) services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Location: Newton
Court Reporting courses offered only at the Newton Campus. Selected courses (Liberal Arts core) are offered at other campuses.
Students start Fall term.
Program Entry Requirements
1. Complete an application for admission.
2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
3. Attend the required court reporting information session.
All students must rent or purchase a realtime-ready student stenowriter before fall classes begin. Model will be specified at information session.
Graduation Requirements
1. Must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.
2. Must earn a grade of “C” or better in all Court Reporting courses.
3. Pass three 5-minute tests with 95% accuracy at each of the following speeds: 225 words per minute testimony (twovoice); 200 words per minute jury charge; and 180 words per minute literary.
4. Complete at least 40 verified hours of actual writing time during internship as well as submit 40 pages of transcript and a written narrative.
Return to: