Online Court Reporting Schools: How to Choose

Online court reporting schools offer programs ranging from diploma to bachelor's degree. A diploma or degree in court reporting can prepare students for a variety of careers such as a court or judicial reporter, stenographer or broadcast captioner. Students should consider their career goals and desired program level as well as program technology requirements when choosing which court reporter program is best for them.

Selecting an Online Court Reporting School

Program Level

When choosing an online school for court reporting, students should consider their desired educational level and ultimate career goals. While a diploma in court reporting may suffice for some entry-level positions, those interested in working their way up to senior level positions, or those who simply want to expand their knowledge in the field may want to pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree in court reporting.

Technology Requirements

Online court reporting programs generally require that students have access to a computer with Internet access. Some schools conduct learning through specialized interactive course delivery systems that allow students to practice their skills online. Students may also have the chance to interact with other online learners, instructors and guest speakers through online discussion forums and realtime chat. In some cases, students will be required to buy their own computerized shorthand machine and related software or similar professional equipment.

List of Common Online Court Reporter Programs

Online Diploma in Court Reporting

Programs can typically be completed in less than two years. Courses include court reporting procedures, computerized machine shorthand skill and speed development, medical terminology, legal terminology, captioning processes and editing. Depending on the curriculum and electives, students may qualify for careers as a court, hearing, deposition, realtime or statement reporter or broadcast captioner.

Online Associate's Degree in Court Reporting

Like the online certificate program, the online associate's degree in court reporting is designed to prepare students for careers in court, realtime and freelance reporting or captioning. Degree options may include Associate of Applied Business degree in Captioning and Court Reporting and Associate in Applied Science in Court Reporting or Court and Realtime Reporting. This 2-year program includes instruction in legal and medical terminology and procedures, computer-aided transcription and machine shorthand. Students learn to prepare single- and multiple-voice material, captioned translations and transcripts. An internship may be required.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Court Reporting

Online bachelor's degree programs in court reporting are rare and enrollment may be limited by student residency or work experience. Students prepare for advanced careers in the field, including senior transcriptionist or court reporter. Students may take classes on subjects like single- and multiple-voice dictation or deposition, keyboarding, court reporting procedures, transcription preparation, business, legal and medical vocabulary, courtroom practice, machine shorthand and advanced computer-aided transcription.