Course
Outline
Stenographic Theory: Introduction to Keyboarding
Speed Building: Advanced Keyboarding
Legal Terminology
Medical Terminology
Grading and Advancement
Certification
Study Materials
and Homework
Stenographic Theory: Introduction to Keyboarding
We teach Digitext
Theory. Digitext is a theory of stenographic writing
designed for the demands of real-time reporting
and captioning. This class introduces the student to the stenographic keyboard
and the phonetic alphabet. At the conclusion of this class, students will be able to take dictation at 60 words per minute with an accuracy rating of 95%. Along the way, students
learn the art of writing by sound and how to create
abbreviated forms of words and phrases. They learn
focus and discipline. They learn how to listen
and pay attention to detail. All lessons have
been dictated on master CDs, copies of which are
distributed to students for practice at home.
Home study and practice are essential elements
of the program. Participants use their textbook,
CDs and instructor's guidelines to prepare for
each day's session. Assignments are reviewed in
class with the instructor, and all participants
are expected to be prepared to participate in
read back and discussion. Students progress through
the lessons at their own pace based on successful
completion of proficiency tests offered each day.
Once they have completed theory, they move on
to Speed Building.
Speed
Building: Advanced Keyboarding
This course is designed
to take participants from 60 words per minute
up to 225 words per minute. 2-Voice and 1-Voice
straight material are the two elements comprising
this part of the course. We do offer 3-Voice and
4-Voice material periodically to build designation
skills. The average time to reach writing proficiency at 225 words per minute is 24 months; however, results will vary among students, some will need more time to reach this level of accuracy and speed.
1.2-Voice
Testimony - This consists
of actual court and deposition material demonstrating
the wide range of terminology that is found in
a testimony- based environment. Expert technical
to lay person questions and answers are used to
increase speed, accuracy and vocabulary. Approximately
45% of program time is devoted to this material.
2.1-Voice
Straight Material - This
consists of actual Jury Charges, Legal Opinion,
Oral Argument, and Summations. This material differs
from 2-Voice Testimony in that one person is speaking
rather than two. 1-Voice Material writing is interesting
and special emphasis is placed on stroking power
and an attentiveness in verbatim writing. Approximately
50% of program time is devoted to this material.
3.3-Voice
and 4-Voice Material - This
consists of multiple voice court and deposition
material which demonstrates the wide range of
terminology that is found in a testimony-based
setting. Approximately 5% of program time will
be spent on this material.
Legal
Terminology
This 20 week program
consists of common legal terms that are an integral
part of a Court Reporter's vocabulary. This program
begins after you start speed building.
Medical
Terminology
This 12 week program
consists of medical terms that a court reporter
or medical transcriptionist will need to be familiar
with in order to perform their job funcion to
the best of their ability. This program begins
after you have completed the Legal Terminology
program.
Grading
and Advancement Policy
Theory for Court Reporting
Participants must pass each lesson with 90% accuracy
rate. Tests are graded on a "pass "
or "no pass" basis, and can be retaken
as often as necessary. A final test covering the
entire theory section must be passed with a 95%
accuracy rating. In addition, students must also
take an additional test to show their knowledge
of writing numbers. The time frame for covering
and passing the theory portion of the program
will vary according to the individual.
We believe
that a goal of 4 to 6 months is achievable by
most candidates.
Speed Building
To receive the Certificate
of Achievement in Court Reporting, students are
required to complete all of their academic work
including 40 hours of internship, and they must
pass their final practical examinations with a
minimum of 95% accuracy on each of the tests according
to the following schedule.
- Question & Answer at 225 words per minute
- Jury Charge at 200 words per minute
-
Literary
at 190 words per minute.
-
Final tests
must be transcribed at the school within the
allotted time given.
Certification
Attending school is
only the first step on your way to a successful
career. Becoming certified as a professional court
reporter by the state in which you reside and
in the states in which you will want to work is
the next step. Certification earns you the respect
of your peers and the credentials you will need
as you venture forth as a working reporter.
All advanced students and graduates of the New
England Court Reporting Institute are expected
to sit for certification examinations in Massachusetts,
New Hampshire or Rhode Island. We recommend that
students sit for all three in order to gain testing
experience and to open up all three states for
employment opportunities. All students and graduates
are also expected to sit for the Registered Professional
Reporter examination administered by the National
Court Reporting Association.
This designation is coveted by employers nationwide
and opens the door to employment by the federal
government and the federal courts.
Study
Materials and Homework
Along with the DIGITEXT
Theory, each participant will receive an accompanying
set of CD’s. These are designed to follow
the text and take the participant through each
lesson. Success in the program depends primarily
on the dedication of the student. A minimum of
two hours of practice at home each day is anticipated
and recommended. Students will receive additional
drills and dictations as needed and will be directed
to online resources for optional dictation material.
Progress through theory varies from person to
person. Our program is designed to allow each
individual to advance independent of others in
the same session because we give the participant
the opportunity to test every day on as many lessons
as they feel ready to test for. The goal for all
participants is to test out of each theory lesson
as quickly as possible to move into the Speed
Building Section.
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