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Instructional Programs Index
College Catalog
Faculty |
Computer Reporting Technologies-Court
Reporting
Associate in Applied Arts Degree
Green River Community College's Computer Reporting Technologies-Court
Reporting program prepares graduates for immediate employment in a variety
of fields and is approved by the National Court Reporters Association.
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 internshipof 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. (See Program Information
Guide on available certificates.)
Working as a Realtime Reporter can take you to:
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courts
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doctors' offices
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hospitals
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law firms
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government agencies
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insurance companies
You may also find work as a/an:
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
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Ability to concentrate
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Good finger dexterity
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Ability to work well under pressure
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Ability to sit for long periods of time
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Good hearing
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Ability to work well alone
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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, many of the required supporting classes do transfer.
Special program notes
Green River's Computer Reporting Technologies program offers you the
following opportunities:
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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
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To benefit from a structured, yet self-paced
program
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To write shorthand and see it translated
into English on the computer from the first day of training
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To learn computer applications in reporting
technologies
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To develop the skills essential for
employment as a court reporter or in a related occupation
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To receive a comprehensive education. You
will study computer technology, law, anatomy-physiology, written
communication, legal and medical terminology, and reporting proceedures
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To participate in mock trials and
depositions with law school students
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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:
Lori L. Rapozo
Extension 4219
lrapozo@greenriver.edu
Sidney Weldele-Wallace
Extension 4705
sweldele@greenriver.edu |
Sidney Weldele-Wallace
Extension 4705
sweldele@greenriver.edu
Lori L. Rapozo
Extension 4219
lrapozo@greenriver.edu |
