Are you obsessed with courtroom dramas such as “The Practice” and “Ally McBeal?” Do you dream of shouting “I object!” while wearing a perfectly tailored suit (and killer tie or heels, of course)? If you’ve answered yes, a court reporting associate degree could be your ticket to the exciting world of the courtroom. You’ll exercise your listening skills more than your public speaking prowess, but you can dress sharply and play a part in bringing justice to the American legal system.
A court reporting associate degree generally requires about 24 months of coursework. You can enroll in court reporting associate degree programs at postsecondary vocational and technical schools as well as some colleges. Court reporting training is offered by more than 100 different schools at this time, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While there are traditional campus programs available, many students elect to earn their court reporting associate degrees online.
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Selecting a certified court reporting associate degree program will ensure that you receive the highest quality education and give you a leg up in the workforce. The National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) has certified at least 60 court reporting education programs.
As a proud graduate of a court reporting associate degree program, you can obtain employment as a courtroom stenographer, typing closed captioning for a broadcaster, serve as a freelance court reporter or transcriptionist, or work in another industry employing those with real-time transcription skills. However, you choose to specialize, you’ll be earning a competitive salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median annual salary of court reporters to be $49,710 in 2008.
Whether you’re just graduating high school, in college but feeling lost, or dreaming of a career change, a court reporting associate degree is the first stop on your journey to an exciting, rewarding career.
