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Kaplan University offers degrees at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's levels. Students may pursue a degree in one of the many subjects such as education, business, computers, and criminal justice. The university is one of the largest fastest-growing schools in the higher education realm, serving more than 100,000 students online. Maximize the possibilities, your future starts right here.

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Located in Virginia, Liberty University offers various degrees at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's levels. With over 12,000 students living on campus and more than 45,000 online, Liberty is one of the leading universities in the world. Invest in your future with a quality education and look into Liberty University today.

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American Intercontinental University offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees both on campus and online. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the university, founded in 1970. Degrees are offered in numerous subjects including business, science, education, and health.

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As a leading provider in online education, Colorado Technical University offers the employed a chance to obtain new skills and comprehension in order to advance in the workplace without having to step foot into a traditional classroom. The university offers degree programs at the Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's levels and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

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Founded in 1976, The University of Phoenix is one of the largest universities that offer online education. With more than 200 campuses and education centers, students can come here for an education that is relevant to their lives, and the world around them. The University of Phoenix has open registration, and offers a variety of flexible online courses. Maximize your potential, get more information on Phoenix today.

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Degrees and Schools

There are numerous vocational, technical schools and colleges that provide training for court reporters. Certificates and degrees are available. The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) certifies programs that offer courses in stenotype computer-aided transcription and real-time reporting. Electronic court reporters utilize audio-capture technology and therefore typically obtain their skills on the job.

Classes

Students typically study the following subjects:

• Legal language
• Medical terminology
• Machine shorthand
• Court procedures
• Business law
• English
• Court reporting computer applications

Online Classes and Programs

Some schools offer online training in court reporting. Some online schools offer courses that provide certain types of credit, whereas some schools offer the complete program. Prospective students need to make sure schools meet the proper accreditation criteria.

Employment Requirements

Some states require voice writers to pass a test and to earn state licensure. As a substitute for state licensure, the National Verbatim Reporters Association provides three national certifications for voice writers. Some states require court reporters to obtain the Certified Court Reporter designation.

Certifications can help court reporters obtain jobs and advance in their careers. Certifications are provided by several organizations including the National Court Reporters Association, the United States Court Reporters Association and the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers.

The major employers are government agencies, television producers and television stations.

How to Evaluate Schools and Programs

The answers to the following questions can help students select the appropriate school:

• Training - Does the program provide plenty of hands-on training?
• School's Reputation - Is the school recognized for its court reporter programs?
• Job Placement - Are students provided job placement services? Do employers of court reporters recruit students at the school?
• Curriculum - Does the school offer a comprehensive program?
• Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school qualified to provide federal financial aid?
• Accreditation - Is the school accredited by an agency which has been approved by the the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?

Court Reporters Job Description

Court reporters have a vital role in legal proceedings and in meetings where spoken words need to be kept as a written transcript. A court reporter creates verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings, meetings, speeches and conversations. They also provide closed-captioning and real-time translating services for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. In addition to preparing legal records, many court reporters help judges and trial lawyers in a variety of ways.

Some court reporters utilize stenotype machines that record combinations of letters that represent words, sounds or phrases. The combinations are recorded electronically and displayed as text. The procedure is known as computer-aided transcription. Electronic reporting utilizes audio equipment to record legal proceedings. While using voice writing, a court reporter speaks into a voice silencer (a handheld mask containing a microphone). Written transcripts are created from the voice recordings.

Shown below are some of their responsibilities:

• Document legal proceedings
• Maintain computer dictionary used to translate keystroke codes or voice files into written text
• Edit the computer-generated translation for correct grammar
• Provide information from the transcripts to courts, lawyers, parties and the public
• Create procedures for easy storage and retrieval of stenographic notes, audio recordings or voice files in paper or digital format

Resources

• American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers
• National Court Reporters Association
• National Verbatim Reporters Association
• United States Court Reporters Association