Judicial Reporting

Program Description

You’ve seen high-profile trials with a person keying the testimony into a stenograph machine or reading the scrolling captions for the hearing-impaired on your TV screen. The person recording the spoken words at speeds ranging from 180 to 225 words a minute is a judicial reporter. If you’re an excellent listener, enjoy keyboarding, have strong language and communications skills, and are committed to accuracy and confidentiality, a career in judicial reporting may be a perfect fit for you.

Statewide Salary Range for Recent Graduates

$32,508 $56,998

Approximate Costs

• $111.85 per credit (resident)
• $167.80 per credit (out-of-state resident)
• *Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Program Outcomes

• Develop proficiency in machine shorthand using realtime theory.
• Produce salable transcripts on a realtime translation system.
• Demonstrate knowledge of proper reporting procedures and responsibilities for freelance and official reporting.
• Demonstrate knowledge of legal and medical concepts and terminology.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the professional reporting organizations and methods of gaining certification as a Registered Professional Reporter.

Career Opportunities

• Legislative Reporter
• Official Court Reporter in the Court System
• Freelance reporter
• Scopist

The admission process for a shared program should be completed at the host college granting the degree. Please submit the following to Lakeshore Technical College:

• College admission application
• $30 one-time fee
• High school and other official college transcripts
• College assessment test (ACCUPLACER, ACT or other). Note: The ACCUPLACER assessment can be taken at MPTC.
• Meet with a representative at the host college to review course sequencing.
• Check with the host college if any additional steps are required.