Judicial Reporting
Associate Degree of Applied Science
Program Number:
101061 Program Website:
Program Courses offered at the following Campuses:
About
Judicial reporters record the testimony, charges, opinions, sentences or other proceedings in a court of law or the proceedings of business and professional conventions by computerized machine shorthand. This work affords interesting mental activity and requires concentration, patience, poise, and good health. Promptness and attention to detail are essential traits. It is a profession offering personal satisfaction, mental stimulation and monetary rewards. The program is approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).
The national average length of time for completion of the program is 33 months, according to the NCRA.
Admissions
Requirements for Program Application
The following is required to process your application:
- High School transcript - or
- Completed COMPASS - or
- HSED/GED Test Scores - or
- College transcript showing an Associate Degree, Bachelor's or higher Degree
Recommended Prerequisites
Keyboarding speed, 50 wpm; English composition, grade of C.
Admission Processing Deadlines:
Fall 2010
MATC begins collecting applications for the following year's Fall term on September 1st. The Admissions Office will then begin processing those applications on the 3rd Monday in October. (Effective for the fall of 2010).
Admission information and Next Steps:
Program Outcomes
Program Outcomes:
“NCRA is committed to being the leader in advancing the profession of those who capture and integrate the spoken word into a comprehensive and accurate information base for the benefit of the public and private sectors.”
-National Court Reporters Association
General Requirements and Minimum Standards, August 2003
- Write a realtime translation theory system with a demonstrated ability to read aloud from shorthand notes in a confident, professional manner.
- Demonstrate the ability to capture the spoken word and produce a transcript of professional quality utilizing CAT (computer assisted translation) software.
- Demonstrate understanding and application of legal and medical terminology.
- Assume the role of the realtime reporter in trials and depositions and perform all functions appurtenant thereto.
- Model professional and ethical behavior in accordance with the NCRA Code of Professional Ethics.
Employment
Graduation Requirements:
Graduation from the program requires the following machine shorthand writing speeds: two-voice, 225 wpm; four-voice and jury charge, 200 wpm; literary, 180 wpm (five-minute takes with 95 percent accuracy—three in each category). The 50-hour requirement for internship will consist of a minimum of 40 hours of actual writing time under the supervision of a qualified reporter.
Getting Credit for Work Experience, Certifications or Completed Classes
If you have work experience, certifications such as Certified Professional Secretary, Certified Administrative Professional, Microsoft Office Specialist Certification, or have already taken classes at MATC or other institutions you may be able to be granted advanced standing to earn your degree more quickly. You may take a Challenge Exam for some courses to gain advanced standing. Contact Rachel Baker (608) 246-6317 for more information.
Career Potential:
- CART Reporter (Communication Access
- Realtime Translation)
- Court and Conference Reporting
- Court Reporter
- Freelance Court Reporter
- Reporter
- Scopist
- Court Stenographer
- Realtime Reporter
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
- Stenocaptionist
Additional Info
Additional Info about the Program:
Judicial reporters record the testimony, charges, opinions, sentences or other proceedings in a court of law, or the proceedings of business and professional conventions by computerized machine shorthand. This work affords interesting mental activity and requires concentration, patience, poise and good health. Promptness and attention to detail are essential traits. It is a profession offering personal satisfaction, mental stimulation and monetary rewards. The program is approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).
The national average length of time for completion of the program is 33 months, according to NCRA.
Industry Links
National Court Reporters Association
Wisconsin Court Reporters Association
Last Modified: October 23, 2009