Employment of court reporters is projected to grow 25 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations between 2006 and 2016. Demand for court reporter services will be spurred by the continuing need for accurate transcription of proceedings in courts and in pretrial depositions, by the growing need to create captions for live television, and by the need to provide other real-time broadcast captioning and translating services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. (US Dept of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Based on a minimum of 756 contact hours, the estimated cost would be $4457. Books, supplies and steno machine purchase or lease are additional.

There are 3 required textbooks costing approximately $60 each. The price of books changes frequently. The best way to verify the price is to call the bookstore at Center 586.286.2093 or South 586.445.7385.

Students will likely lease or rent a steno machine. Costs will vary depending on the source of the machine. Leasing a steno machine may cost approximately $100 per month plus damage deposit.

This information will be given out at the mandatory career workshop. See current schedule for date and time.

Traditional federal and state financial aid is not available for Continuing Education programs. The state has job training programs administered through Michigan Works that may cover the cost of this program.

Macomb does not provide job placement. Our Career Services department does specialize in assisting you in your job search. Career Services is located at Center Campus G102, or South Campus S147 or call 486.445.7321.

The Macomb Community College Court Reporting program is certified by NCRA (National Court Reporting Association) and is an approved and recognized program in the state of Michigan. Completion of this program allows you to sit for the mandatory State Certified Shorthand Reporting Examination. You will receive a Macomb Center for Continuing Education Court Reporting Certificate verifying that you have successfully completed the program.

No.  Macomb is an approved program through the state of Michigan and the certificate achieved in this program allows anyone to take the required tests and become a certified court reporter. It is strongly suggested that you have a High School diploma or equivalent.

No, you must go to Lansing to take this exam. Information will be given out in class.

You must attend the free career workshop offered approximately two weeks prior to the beginning of classes or make alternative arrangements to meet with the Program Coordinator Sharon Kandt. Call Sharon Kandt at 586.226.4722 or email her at kandts@macomb.edu. Dates are published on the web and in the Center for Continuing Education schedule of classes along with course information.

You can submit a certified transcript verifying the courses you have successfully completed within the past five years. None of the Speed Building classes can be transferred. All other classes will be reviewed on an individual basis and are eligible for transfer. (Note: Macomb’s classes are not eligible for college degree credit but do provide CEU’s)

The required classes are Real Time Theory I, II and III; Skill Building & Development I, II, III; English for Court Reporters, Medical Terminology for Court Reporters, Legal Terminology for Court Reporters, and Judicial Terminology I & II. You must also complete a minimum 40 hour internship program. Internship hours will depend on the site.

Skill Building 200-225 Q & A only, CSR Prep and Transcription Lab are all optional classes.

Real Time Theory I and Real Time Theory II should be taken in separate semesters and not in combination with any other Court Reporting classes. These two classes are very intensive and do require additional practice time outside of class. Once you have completed these two classes, most students take a Skill Building & Development class along with one of the other required classes.

On the average, the program may take 3 years to complete. Advancement in the program is based on individual performance and the ability to gain the necessary speeds. Therefore, program length will vary from student to student.

A five-minute 180 wpm literary dictation, a five-minute 200 wpm jury charge dictation, and a five-minute 225 wpm Q&A dictation must be passed with 95% accuracy.

You may begin your internship at the same time that you are taking the Skill Building & Development II class. Your internship must be completed during or after Skill Building & Development III. Internship sites include various courts and attorney offices. Your attendance, class participation, instructor recommendation and personal preference will all be considered when assigning your internship site. More information will be given out at the mandatory career workshop and during the classes.

There are no guarantees that you will be hired by the place internship. However, you may receive a job offer if your performance is satisfactory.

Register online using Web Advisor, call 586.498.4000 or walk in to the enrollment office at either South or Center Campus.

Call Sharon Kandt at 586.226.4722 or email her at kandts@macomb.edu