Why should you get a Court Reporting/Stenography degree?
Court Reporting/Stenography careers are always in high demand!
Court reporters and stenographers must have excellent listening and hearing skills; excellent speed and accuracy when typing; and good English grammar, vocabulary and punctuation skills. They must be aware of business practices and current events as well as the correct spelling of names of people, places and events that may be mentioned in a broadcast or in court proceedings. For those who work in courtrooms, an expert knowledge of legal terminology and criminal and appellate procedure is essential.
Career Outlook
Court reporters and stenographers are responsible for a number of duties both before and after transcribing events. Stenographic or voice writing reporters must create and maintain the computer dictionary that they use to translate their keystroke codes or voice files into written text. They may customize the dictionary with parts of words; entire words; or terminology specific to the proceeding, program or event – such as a religious service – they plan to transcribe.
Education Requirements
Court reporters and stenographers usually work in comfortable conditions, spending much of their work time in court rooms and law offices. There are many excellent career colleges that teach the use of stenography equipment, as well as the special skills court reporters and stenographers need in order to become successful in their field.
Depending on the reporting method, the court reporter has a number of duties:
- Stenographic or voice writers create and maintain the computer dictionary they use to translate their keystroke codes or voice files into written text (the dictionary can also be customized to fit the material that is being transcribed)
- These reporters also edit the computer translations to ensure correct grammar and accurate spelling of proper names and places
- All court reporters make copies of their transcripts and distribute these to others after the proceeding has ended
Salary Information
The average salary of entry-level court reporters came out to between $17,290 and $77,500.