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Chiamaka Oscar
- November 13, 2024
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Court reporting is a demanding yet rewarding profession that requires sharp attention to detail, exceptional listening skills, and a high level of typing speed. Aspiring court reporters must also complete formal education and training, often culminating in certification, to pursue a career in legal transcription. If you’re considering entering this field, it’s crucial to choose the right court reporting school to equip you with the skills you need for success. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best court reporting schools in the world, along with essential information about each institution, including tuition costs, graduation rates, and employment opportunities.
Who Are Court Reporters?
Court reporters play a vital role in the legal system. They are responsible for transcribing spoken words during legal proceedings such as trials, depositions, and hearings, using specialized equipment like stenograph machines or voice writing devices. Their work ensures that every spoken word is accurately documented for future reference, helping the judiciary maintain a clear and permanent record of legal proceedings.
Becoming a court reporter involves learning stenography or machine shorthand, techniques that enable reporters to record words at high speeds. Court reporters are not just transcriptionists; they are highly trained professionals who convert speech into written form with 100% accuracy, often in real-time.
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How Long Is a Court Reporting School Program?
The length of time required to complete a court reporting program depends on the type of qualification you’re pursuing. Most schools offer:
- Associate degrees (typically 2 years of study)
- Certificate programs (generally 12-18 months)
- Diplomas (varies, often one to two years)
Schools may offer accelerated programs, allowing students to complete their coursework in less time. It’s important to choose a program that aligns with your goals and timeline.
How Much Does Court Reporting School Cost?
Court reporting school costs vary widely depending on several factors:
- Program type: Associate degrees are generally more expensive than certificate programs.
- Location: Schools in major metropolitan areas tend to have higher tuition fees compared to those in rural areas.
- Online vs. traditional programs: Online programs can be more expensive due to the flexibility they offer, but they also save on commuting and accommodation costs.
On average, tuition for a two-year court reporting program can range from $7,000 to $36,000 per year. For example, some programs charge as little as $780 per year, while others may cost over $6,000 annually. Additional costs, such as books, materials, and certification fees, should also be considered.
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10 Best Court Reporting Schools in the World
Here is our carefully curated list of the best court reporting schools across the globe, based on accreditation, faculty-to-student ratio, graduation rates, and overall program quality.
#1. Alfred State College (SUNY) – Alfred, New York
Alfred State, part of the State University of New York (SUNY), offers both certificate programs and associate degrees in court reporting. The school has earned a stellar reputation for its programs in official reporting, freelance reporting, real-time reporting, and captioning. Alfred State provides both online and traditional classroom options, making it ideal for students with varying schedules.
- Accreditation: National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
- Program Duration: 2 years for associate degrees
- Graduation Rate: 48.9%
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Tuition: Approx. $7,000 to $15,000 per year
#2. Downey Adult School – Downey, California
Downey Adult School offers specialized court reporting programs designed to prepare students for the Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) exam in California. The school emphasizes practical training, with many students going on to work in legal settings or as court reporters for TV captions and CART services for the hearing impaired.
- Accreditation: NCRA
- Program Duration: 1-2 years (certificate program)
- Tuition: Approx. $3,299 per year
#3. Arlington Career Institute – Grand Prairie, Texas
Arlington Career Institute has been training court reporters since 1982. The institute offers online court reporting programs that give students flexibility while maintaining high academic standards. It has an impressive 81% graduation rate and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
- Accreditation: ACCSC, NCRA
- Program Duration: 18-24 months
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Tuition: Variable
#4. Alvin Community College – Alvin, Texas
Alvin Community College is known for producing highly skilled court reporters. The college offers both certificates and associate degrees in court reporting. It is recognized by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), and its programs are designed to help students pass certification exams and excel in real-time reporting.
- Accreditation: NCRA, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- Program Duration: 2 years for an associate degree
- Tuition: Approx. $4,000 per year (in-state)
#5. Brown College of Court Reporting – Atlanta, Georgia
The Brown College of Court Reporting is the only NCRA-approved court reporting program in Georgia. It offers an online court reporting program that integrates real-time court reporting tools and has a high employment rate of 98%. Students develop the mental focus and technical skills needed to succeed as professional court reporters.
- Accreditation: NCRA
- Program Duration: 2-3 years
- Graduation Rate: 17%
- Tuition: Approx. $6,000 per year
#6. Miami Dade College – Miami, Florida
Miami Dade College offers an Associate of Science in court reporting technology, providing comprehensive training in real-time translation programs. This program prepares students for the NCRA certification exams and provides career opportunities in official reporting, captioning, and freelance reporting.
- Accreditation: NCRA
- Program Duration: 30-36 months
- Tuition: Approx. $7,000 per year
#7. Stark State College – North Canton, Ohio
Stark State College offers an online associate degree in court reporting. The program teaches students to write and transcribe using real-time computerized machines and prepares them for internships to gain hands-on experience.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, NCRA
- Program Duration: 2 years
- Tuition: Approx. $5,000 per year
#8. Bryan University – Tempe, Arizona
Bryan University’s online court reporting program is ideal for students who wish to study remotely while learning about litigation technologies and paralegal studies. The program equips students with practical skills for a career as a court reporter or paralegal.
- Accreditation: NCRA, ACICS
- Program Duration: 2 years
- Tuition: Approx. $14,000 per year
#9. Cypress College – Cypress, California
Cypress College’s Court Reporting Program offers both certificate and associate degree options. Its training is designed to prepare students for the California Certified Shorthand Reporter Examination. With a high pass rate on certification exams, Cypress College has earned recognition in the court reporting industry.
- Accreditation: California Court Reporters Board
- Program Duration: 2.5 years
- Tuition: Approx. $5,500 per year
#10. College of Court Reporting – Valparaiso, Indiana
The College of Court Reporting (CCR) offers a fully online associate degree in court reporting. Students receive comprehensive training in transcription skills and real-time writing, preparing them for careers as court reporters or captioners.
- Accreditation: NCRA, ACICS
- Program Duration: 2 years
- Graduation Rate: 15%
- Tuition: Approx. $6,500 per year
Frequently Asked Questions About Court Reporting Schools
Can you attend court reporting school online? Yes, many top court reporting schools offer online programs for students who prefer flexible learning environments. Schools like Alfred State College and Brown College of Court Reporting provide excellent online courses.
How much do court reporters earn? The average annual salary for court reporters is around $53,710, with top earners making over $92,400 per year. Freelance court reporters and those specializing in real-time captioning can earn even more, depending on their experience and client base.
What is the required speed for a court reporter? To succeed in court reporting, you need to type at least 225 words per minute with 95% accuracy. This is the minimum standard for real-time court reporting and is required for certification exams.
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