Judicial Reporting

10-106-1 Associate Degree (two-year)
Campus: New Richmond (Shared program with Lakeshore Technical College)

You’ve seen high-profile trials with a person keying the testimony into a stenograph machine or read 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, have strong language and communications skills and are committed to accuracy and confidentiality, a career in judicial reporting may be perfect for you.

You’ll need to hear, speak, see, and use both hands to manipulate a computer keyboard and stenograph machine. Students are required to rent a stenograph machine and laptop computer through the rental program available at Lakeshore Technical College (LTC). The Judicial Reporting program is certified by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).

Special Feature

Core program courses are offered via Interactive Television (ITV) hosted by Lakeshore Technical College and are supported by select classes available in the WITC district.

Program-Specific Requirements

To apply to the Judicial Reporting program, please submit the following to Lakeshore Technical College:

• Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) application form and non-refundable application fee
• Documentation of required Accuplacer assessment scores (other tests may be acceptable alternatives) in the following areas:
  -Reading
  -Language
  -Math
• High school transcript or GED/HSED scores
• Program Advising Session
• Notification of Laptop/Steno Rental Requirement Form
• Functional Abilities Statement of Understanding Form
• Authorization to Release Confidential Information for Shared Programs Form
• Upon receipt of the above materials, you will be accepted to LTC; you will then be notified by LTC of additional requirements

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect the Judicial Reporting graduate to be able to:

• Develop proficiency in machine shorthand using realtime theory
• Develop a personal dictionary, read, translate, and edit transcripts using CAT (computer-assisted transcription) software
• 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