What is the estimated salary range and job growth for this profession?
The average salary range is: $19.93 per hour. The job growth projection is 5%. These are national averages obtained from one of the following sources: Michigan Career Outlook Through 2008, The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Statistics, America’s CareerInfoNet or MSN
How much will it cost for the entire program?
$4000 plus books and steno machine purchase or lease.
How much money will I have to pay for books?
$400-$450. The price of books changes frequently. The best way to verify the price is to call the bookstore at Center Campus (586.286.2093) or South Campus (586.445.7385).
How much does it cost to purchase or lease a steno machine?
A new steno machine will cost from $1000-$4000. A used steno machine is $500 and up depending on the machine type and age. Leasing a steno machine will cost approximately $100 per month plus damage deposit.
Where can I purchase or lease a steno machine?
This information will be given out at the mandatory career workshop. See current schedule for date and time.
Is financial aid available?
Federal financial aid is not available for Continuing Education programs.
Does Macomb College provide job placement?
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, 586.445.7321 or South Campus G147, 586.286.2209.
Will I earn a certificate? Is it a national or state recognized certificate?
You will receive a Macomb Center for Continuing Education Certificate indicating that you have successfully completed our program. And you will have the knowledge you need to take the State Certified Shorthand Reporting Examination. You must make your own arrangements to take the exam.
Do you need an Associate's degree or Bachelor of Science degree to take the state certified test?
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.
Is the Certified Shorthand Reporting Examination offered at Macomb?
No, you must go to Lansing to take this exam. Information will be given out in class.
Do I need to fulfill any requirements prior to signing up for this/these classes?
You must attend the free career workshop offered approximately two weeks prior to the beginning of classes. Dates are published on the web and in the Center for Continuing Education schedule of classes along with courseinformation.
I have already taken court reporting classes elsewhere. Can I transfer to Macomb College’s Program?
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)
What are the required core classes in the program?
There are 9 classes totaling 646.5 hours. Real Time Theory I, Real Time Theory II, Skill Building & Development I, Skill Building & Development II and Skill Building & Development III, English for Court Reporters, Medical Terminology for Court Reporters, Legal Terminology for Court Reporters, and Computer-Aided Transcription. You must also complete a minimum 40 hour externship program. Externship hours will depend on the site.
What additional classes can I take?
Real Time Theory III, Skill Building 200-225 Q & A only, CSR Prep and Conflict Free Writing are all optional classes.
Do I have to take the classes in a certain order?
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.
How long will it take to complete this program?
Because advancement in the program is based on individual performance and the ability to gain the necessary speeds, the time will vary from student to student. Most students should complete the program in about two years.
What speeds are required to achieve a certificate from the program?
A five-minute literary dictation, a five-minute jury charge dictation, and a five-minute Q&A dictation must be passed with 95% accuracy.
Tell me more about the externship.
You may begin your externship at the same time that you are taking the Skill Building & Development II class. Externship must be completed during or after Skill Building & Development III. Externships sites include various courts and attorney offices. Your attendance, class participation, instructor recommendation and personal preference will all be considered when assigning your externship site. More information will be given out at the mandatory career workshop and during the classes.
Will I be guaranteed a job at my externship site?
No. However, you are much more likely to receive a job offer or a letter of reference if you are a stellar extern.
How do I sign up for this program?
Register online using Web Advisor, call 586.498.4000 or walk in to the enrollment office at either South or Center Campus.
Who can I contact to find out more about this program?
Call Sharon Kandt at 586.226.4722 or email her at kandts@macomb.edu