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Computer Reporting Technologies Web site

Faculty

Computer Reporting Technologies — Court Reporting
Associated in Applied Arts Degree
Certificates

Court Reporters record the verbatim proceedings of a courtroom, deposition, hearing, arbitration, or meeting and provide an accurate transcript of the proceedings. Students learn how to prepare transcripts with the use of a computer. Students are trained in additional career opportunities including realtime writing and captioning for the non-hearing community, scoping, transcription, and text entry.

Court reporting is a challenging and versatile career. Working as an official reporter in a courtroom you are a part of interesting and newsworthy trials. As an official reporter for the courts, you have excellent benefits and an ongoing, rewarding relationship with court personnel including the lawyers and your judge.

Most court reporters are self-employed and do freelance work. Many freelance court reporters work from their homes with their own computer-aided transcription system. Freelancing offers a new work setting almost daily with independence and freedom from routine work schedules.

Upon completion of the required classes, students qualify for the Associate in Applied Arts degree in Court Reporting. They must have completed 60 hours of internship of which 50 hours is actual writing time during internship training; passed three 5-minute tests with 96% accuracy or above on literary at 180 wpm and jury charge at 200 wpm; and passed four 5-minute tests on Q and A (two voice) at 225 wpm, two with 95% accuracy and two with 96% accuracy or above.

In addition to the course work, there are state and/or national examinations that a student should pass to become a certified court reporter. In order to work in the state of Washington, reporters have to pass the licensing test.

The Computer Reporting Technologies program at Green River Community College is approved by the National Court Reporters Association.

Additionally, certificates of completion are offered for scopist, medical stenoscriptionist, and text entry specialist.

Working as a Realtime Reporter can take you to:

Prerequisites
All students entering the Computer Reporting Technologies program must be high school graduates or must have earned a GED certificate.

Strong English is very important. You should have an above average ability in spelling, grammar, and vocabulary.

Note: If English is not your native language, you must take the ESL Assessment prior to meeting with an advisor.

It is recommended that an applicant know how to type before enrolling in the program. Students who do not type a minimum of 50 words per minute are encouraged to enroll in intermediate Typing Speed and Accuracy 1 prior to graduation.

Special fees
Lab fees per quarter.
Court reporting students must provide their own shorthand machines.

These machines are available for rent in the college bookstore for $50–$100 per quarter (max. two–quarter rental). You may choose to purchase a used manual machine ($100 and up). New realtime shorthand machines, for student use, cost approx. $1,400 (includes the machine, a deluxe carrying case and a tripod).

Personal requirements for success

• Ability to concentrate

• Good finger dexterity

• Ability to work well under pressure

• Ability to sit for long periods of time

• Good hearing

• Ability to work well alone

• Enjoyment working with words

Does the program transfer to four-year schools?
The skill classes in the Computer Reporting Technologies program do not transfer. However, some of the required supporting classes do transfer.

Special program notes
Green River’s Computer Reporting Technologies program offers you the following opportunities:

• To learn the latest technology in reporting, called “realtime.” As the shorthand reporter writes on the steno machine, the words are displayed on the computer monitor for instant viewing of the spoken word. This technology is now being used in many courtrooms, depositions, classrooms, seminars, and meetings for the nonhearing community. This is the same technology utilized for closed captioning.

• To benefit from a structured, yet self-paced program.

• To write shorthand and see it translated into English on the computer from the first day of training.

• To learn computer applications in reporting technologies.

• To develop the skills essential for employment as a court reporter or in a related occupation.

• To receive a comprehensive education. You will study computer technology, law, anatomy-physiology, written communication, legal and medical terminology, and reporting procedures.

• To participate in mock trials and depositions with law school students.

• To participate in internships in court, deposition, and captioning environments.

Employment outlook
The need for qualified realtime court reporters continues to increase. There are many opportunities for both men and women. Faculty maintain contact with firms regarding employment opportunities. The staff helps students write resumes and develop interviewing skills.

Salary range
The salary range for court reporters and captioners is $30,000 to $75,000+ per year. The salary range for scopists, transcriptionists, and text entry specialists may be based on an hourly or page production rate.

For specific information about Computer Reporting Technologies and Court Reporting, contact:

Sidney Weldele-Wallace
Extension 4705
sweldele@greenriver.edu
or
Lori L. Rapozo
Extension 4219
lrapozo@greenriver.edu

Computer Reporting Technologies Web site

Lori L. Rapozo
Extension 4219
lrapozo@greenriver.edu

Sidney Weldele-Wallace
Extension 4705
sweldele@greenriver.edu