Court reporting is a demanding profession requiring high levels of attention, excellent listening abilities, and rapid typing skills. However, alongside these skills, a certification from an accredited court reporting school is essential to pursue a career in the field.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best court reporting schools in the world to help you get started. Whether you’re looking for information on employment rates, education costs, graduation rates, or acceptance rates, this guide will provide everything you need to know.
What is a Court Reporter?
Court reporters are professionals who transcribe every word spoken during legal proceedings, including trials, depositions, hearings, and more. They achieve this through stenography machines that capture verbatim what is said. These professionals play a crucial role in the courtroom by creating written records that are often critical for judges, attorneys, and juries.
Again, court reporters use a mix of voice-writing technology, shorthand, and computerized stenography to accurately document legal proceedings. This process is essential for ensuring the accuracy of testimonies and for legal verification.
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How Long Does It Take to Become a Court Reporter?
The duration of court reporting programs varies based on the type of certification or degree pursued. Most institutions offer either associate degrees, professional diplomas, or certificate programs. Here’s what to expect:
- Certificate Programs: These generally take less time to complete, often ranging from 18 to 30 months.
- Associate Degree: Programs leading to an associate degree tend to take longer, typically lasting between 24 to 36 months.
In the USA, there are over 25 accredited court reporting schools according to NCRAA. Some schools offer accelerated programs, allowing students to finish their education in as little as 18 months.
How Much Does Court Reporting School Cost?
The cost of attending a court reporting school can vary significantly depending on factors such as program type, location, and whether you attend in-person or online. In general, tuition for a two-year degree can range from $780 to $6,150 per year. Some key factors influencing the cost include:
- Program Type: Associate degrees generally cost more than certificate programs.
- Location: Schools in major cities tend to charge higher tuition fees than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Mode of Study: Online programs can sometimes be more affordable than traditional on-campus programs.
Overall, you can expect annual expenses for court reporting programs to range between $7,000 and $36,000, including tuition, fees, room and board, and books.
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The 10 Best Court Reporting Schools in the World
1. Alfred State: SUNY
Alfred State College, in affiliation with The State University of New York, offers both certificate programs and associate degrees in court reporting. Students are trained for careers as official, freelance, or real-time reporters, and captioners. The programs are available online and in-person, both accredited by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 48.9%
- Program Link: Alfred State College Court Reporting Program
2. Downey Adult School
Downey Adult School in California offers a court reporting program designed to prepare students for certification as a Certified Shorthand Court Reporter (CSR) in California. Graduates frequently find work as deposition reporters, TV captioners, or in CART services.
- Tuition: $3,299
- Program Link: Downey Adult School Court Reporting Program
3. Arlington Career Institute
Established in 1982, Arlington Career Institute provides an online court reporting program that combines the flexibility of online learning with rigorous training. The school boasts an impressive graduation rate of 81%.
- Acceptance Rate: Open Admission
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Program Link: Arlington Career Institute Court Reporting Program
4. Alvin Community College
Located in Texas, Alvin Community College offers both certificate and associate degree programs in court reporting. Also the college is recognized for its high-quality education in court reporting and is accredited by the National Court Reporters Association.
- Program Link: Alvin Community College Court Reporting Program
5. Brown College of Court Reporting
Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, is the only NCRA-approved court reporting program in the state. The college offers online classes and has a job placement rate of 98%. Its programs are designed to help students master real-time court reporting.
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 17%
- Program Link: Brown College Court Reporting Program
6. Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College offers an Associate of Science degree in Court Reporting Technology. This program equips students with the skills needed for official court reporting, captioning, and freelance work.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 43.3%
- Program Link: Miami Dade College Court Reporting Program
7. Stark State College
Stark State College in Ohio offers an online associate degree in Judicial Court Reporting, focusing on machine shorthand and real-time transcription. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and approved by NCRA.
- Program Link: Stark State College Court Reporting Program
8. Bryan University
Bryan University’s virtual court reporting program allows students to study remotely while preparing for careers in paralegal studies and litigation technologies. The program connects students to the industry through practical coursework.
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 15.2%
- Program Link: Bryan University Court Reporting Program
9. Cypress College
Cypress College in California offers both a certificate and an Associate of Science in Court Reporting. The school’s programs are accredited by the California Court Reporters Board, and graduates consistently pass the state CSR exam.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 18.3%
- Program Link: Cypress College Court Reporting Program
10. College of Court Reporting
The College of Court Reporting in Indiana offers an online associate degree in Applied Science in Court Reporting. This program is NCRA-certified and designed to prepare students for careers as court reporters, captioners, or stenographers.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 15%
- Program Link: College of Court Reporting Program
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Conclusion
Choosing the right court reporting school is crucial to building a successful career in the legal industry. Whether you’re looking for an online program or an in-person experience, this list offers some of the best court reporting schools in the world, each with accredited programs and proven outcomes.
Explore your options and start your journey toward becoming a certified court reporter today!
