Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, demand for court reporters is expected to grow, by 25 percent from 2006 through 2016, which is better than average. Individuals with certification and those who choose to specialize in providing communication access real-time translation (CART), broadcast captioning, and or Web casting services should have the best job opportunities. The average salary for court reporters in 2006 was $45,000 per year.

Training Overview
Approved by the Maryland Court Reporters Association, AACC’s training consists of five noncredit courses that can be completed in as little as twenty-four months. The series of courses begins each fall and continues through the spring term. The curriculum includes computer assisted translation, broadcast captioning and Web casting. Courses meets two evenings a week and students may need to repeat courses until they meet the speed requirements. Upon successful completion students will be prepared to work as a court reporter.

What are the requirements?
You must demonstrate eligibility for ENG-111 – Composition and Introduction to Literature.

What courses will I take?
The following courses are three credit hours each. Many are offered both face-to-face or hybrid (combination of face-to-face and online).

LEG-500 – Court Reporting Theory 1
Intensively study machine shorthand theory. Learn how to listen for sounds of words and read back shorthand notes.

LEG-501 – Court Reporting Theory 2
Learn advanced machine shorthand skills required for real-time transcription. Study the principles of phonetics and techniques to develop dexterity in writing words, phrases and abbreviations on the stenotype machine. Enhance skills in speed takes and read back activities.

LEG-502 – Court Reporting: Speed Development
Master advanced stenotype concepts. Explore speed-building principles, advanced number concepts, reading from stenotype notes, and taking dictation at 60 words per minute and faster.

LEG-503 – Court Reporting: Speed Development 2
Increase your mastery of advanced stenotype concepts. Explore word beginnings and endings, advanced number concepts, dictating and reading back from stenotype notes, question-and-answer sessions and written dialogue, dictation at 120 words a minute and higher, and speed-building principles. Students may need to take this course several times in order to reach the desired exit speed (words per minute).

LEG-504 – Introduction to Computer-Assisted Translation
Learn about computer-assisted translation (CAT) systems. Explore real-time translation, hardware and software configuration and troubleshooting. Discuss how to read, translate, transcribe and print dictation. Learn to create and maintain a personal dictionary. Includes exams and hands-on practice.

What will it cost?
Approximate cost for Anne Arundel County residents is $2,155, depending on the number of courses needed to reach the words per minute requirement. Scholarships and financial aid are available for qualified candidates. Contact AACC’s Office of Student Financial Services at 410-777-2203 or finaid@aacc.edu. (Prices are subject to change.)

How do I enroll?
Bring proof of English 111 eligibility (criteria can be found in the college catalog) along with your registration form to the Continuing Education Registration located in the Center for Applied Learning and Technology Room 115 on the Arnold Campus. If you have any questions, contact assistant director Meribeth Allman at 410-777-2911 or meallman@aacc.edu.

Other Related Studies
Consult the college catalog for more information about the following credit programs.

• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Paralegal Studies
• Certificate in Paralegal Studies

For more information contact
Meribeth Allman, assistant director
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway
Arnold, Md. 21012
410-777-2911
meallman@aacc.edu