Online Court Transcription Training and Education Programs
Explore court transcription education programs offered by online schools. Learn about certificate and degree requirements, course topics, equipment used and post-education career options. Schools offering Legal Transcriptionist degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

What Do Online Court Transcription Programs Cover?
Most court transcription programs are only available on campus. However, select schools offer online training programs in court transcription. These programs typically award a certificate in court reporting, a certificate in court reporting technologies or an Associate of Applied Science in Court Reporting.
Coursework in an online certificate program covers communication, grammar, parts of speech and legal terminology. As part of your training, you may receive audio cassettes to transcribe using stenotype equipment. These items are often included in the tuition. Many certificate programs are broken into modules that gradually build your words per minute typing speed. You'll also learn about different techniques to improve your memory.
Associate's degree programs require general education classes in English, the liberal arts and humanities. Additional coursework covers court practices, conferencing, medical terminology and software for office applications. Other courses explore business law and document production.
Course Topics | Communication, grammar, legal terminology, court practices, medical terminology |
Additional Training | On-the-job training is typically required |
Online Courses | Though rare, individual online courses are available |
Career Options | Court reporter, legal secretary, closed captioner |
What Additional Training Do I Need to Work in This Field?
Although online programs provide basic training in the use of stenotype machines, you'll likely receive additional training on the job. This training may address new court reporting devices, legal changes and audio-visual technology. Some states require court reporters to be licensed or become official notary publics before they can transcribe legal proceedings. For states that allow the voice system of court reporting, you can earn a certification through the National Verbatim Reporters Association as a substitute for state licensure. If necessary, you can also consult your Secretary of State's office to learn about the requirements of becoming a notary.
Can I Take a Single Course Online?
Individual online courses are rare but available. While taking a single course won't qualify you to work as a court reporter, you can learn about court procedures. Other independent courses in the field allow you to practice shorthand typing and build your proficiency in transcription.
How Can I Use This Training?
A career as a court reporter is typically the path for graduates of these programs. However, you can also apply your training to record what's said during seminars, legislative proceedings, medical procedures, product demonstrations, administrative hearings or press conferences. Court transcription training can also be useful in roles as a legal secretary or closed captioner.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below: