Court Reporting Degree

If you find the court proceedings within our legal system fascinating then a court reporting degree would make an excellent option for you to pursue. As a court reporter it would be your responsibility to record all proceedings in exact detail so that an accurate and legal record is kept for possible further use. Some of the areas of your job would entail the creation in word-for-word format of legal proceedings, meetings, conversations and speeches to name a few. As a professional with a court reporting degree you may find exciting career opportunities with local and federal government organizations, specialized court reporting agencies and even self employment as a free lance court reporter. As a student you will be taught several reporting methods such as:

• Voice writing
• Real-time reporting
• Stenographic
• Electronic

Your court reporting degree classes should also cover such critical areas as:

• Medical terminology
• Applicable computer applications
• Accurate “spoken word” punctuation
• Court reporting procedures
• The theory of touch shorthand

Although there are some entry level positions for court reporters with a court reporting degree that are trained in voice recording, the best options for career advancement within this field is by completing an Associate or Bachelor court reporting degree. In a degree level of training students will acquire the skills needed to use a number of specialized recording devices including advanced steno typist training.  Of course together with your court reporting degree, absolute accuracy is a must for whatever method of recording is being used.  Upon graduation students that hold a court reporting degree will have the necessary skills and confidence to perform all required duties of a court reporter such as:

• Industry relevant computer skills
• Advanced legal terminology and court procedures
• Excellent command of English punctuation, vocabulary and grammar
• Knowledge of common business practices
• Superior listening skills

Many court reporters with several years experience advance into roles of administration, teaching, management and even private consulting. If you are already working in an entry level position and wish to move ahead in your field but are not in a position to leave your full time job, an online or distance court reporting degree would be the perfect solution.  As an online student you will receive the same quality degree as those earned on a traditional campus. You will have the advantage of continuing your work while earning that all important court reporting degree. Getting your degree through distance or online learning also allows you to complete your studies in the comfort and privacy of your own home and to choose the study times that are best for you. In today’s highly competitive job market, a court reporting degree is essential if you are to continue a path of advancement and growth.

Before making a final decision as to which online college or university you will be enrolling with it is extremely important that you verify the professional accreditation of that particular learning institution. If you plan to study and work in Canada, the following school accreditation websites will provide you with all the information you need:

• The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
• The Canadian Education and Training Accredited Commission

Accreditation in the United States is granted either nationally or regionally, for more information you can go to:

• The Regional Accreditation for Online Schools
• The National Accrediting Agency

Remember that if you want to excel within your career as a court reporter it is important that you look into how you can get your court reporting degree either through online studies or on a traditional campus.