Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Court Reporter Schools in Aurora, Chicago, Elgin, Joliet, Naperville, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield.
Interested in starting a rewarding career in the legal field?
Illinois has some of the best court reporter schools in the country. This guide highlights the top programs in the state, offering essential insights to help you find the perfect fit.
Discover what makes each school unique and how they can help you succeed as a court reporter in Illinois.
Generations College – Associate of Applied Science in Court Reporting
Starting with a pioneering institution, Generations College has a century-long reputation for excellence in court reporting education.
The Associate of Applied Science in Court Reporting at Generations College is designed to prepare you for entry-level positions in the legal field. The program offers:
- Individualized Instruction: Small class sizes ensure personalized education and attention.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses cover shorthand, speed building, software applications, and legal terminology.
- Hands-On Experience: Students participate in supervised externships, providing real-world experience.
With certification by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), the program prepares you to pass both the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) and the national Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) exams. This certification is crucial for your career readiness and success.
Career opportunities for graduates are diverse, including roles as official court reporters, freelance reporters, convention reporters, CART providers, and broadcast captioners. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 7% growth in employment for court reporters, making it a promising career choice.
Generations College partners with U.S. District Courts, Illinois Circuit Courts, and other related services, ensuring significant practical exposure through internships. This practical experience aligns with your career goals and enhances your employability.
International Realtime Court Reporting Institute (IRCR) – Court Reporter Program
Another excellent option is the International Realtime Court Reporting Institute. This online program offers flexibility and is recommended by the Illinois Court Reporters Association (ILCRA).
The IRCR program incorporates:
- Advanced Training: Courses in speech-to-text technology and Eclipse Vox CAT system.
- Comprehensive Exam Preparation: Prepares you for the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters Board (CSRB) and the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) exams.
- Resource Support: Access to practice materials and study guides to enhance exam readiness.
Students benefit from the self-paced structure, allowing you to advance at your own speed. Certification renewal every two years ensures your skills remain current, with a requirement of at least ten hours of continuing education (CE) credits.
Upon completing the program, graduates can earn a median salary of approximately $34.88 per hour, with potential for higher earnings as experience and certifications accumulate. The IRCR’s robust training methods and flexible schedule make it a prime choice for those seeking a rewarding career in court reporting.
Lake Land College – Court Reporting and Captioning Degree
The Lake Land College offers a Court Reporting and Captioning Degree program tailored to those aiming for careers in both court reporting and closed captioning. This program emphasizes:
- Speed Building: Training students to achieve shorthand speeds up to 225 words per minute using specialized stenotype machines.
- Incremental Skill Development: From basic keyboarding to expert-level stenography.
- Hands-On Internship: A one-hour final semester internship course supervised by a certified court reporter.
Graduates are prepared for the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) and NCRA certification exams, covering all essential skills needed for certification and career success. Admission into the program requires passing initial assessment tests and demonstrates preparedness for the rigors of the coursework.
Lake Land College offers an inclusive and diverse learning environment, supported by a team of experienced instructors who are dedicated to your success.
South Suburban College – Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology Program
South Suburban College presents a comprehensive Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology Program approved by the NCRA. This program includes:
- Speed Writing Skills: Enable students to achieve writing speeds up to 225 words per minute.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers machine shorthand, English grammar, punctuation, and specialized terminologies.
- Practical Training: Court Practicum courses prepare students for the real-world environment.
To gain entry, students need to place into college-level English and possess a typing speed of 45 wpm. Prospective candidates also submit transcripts, a personal statement, and a reference letter from a Certified Shorthand Reporter.
Graduates can sit for the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporter Examination or the Registered Professional Reporters exam. The supportive learning environment and flexible schedules at South Suburban College make it a suitable choice for aspiring court reporters, with an average income potential of $64,672.
Black Hawk College – Court Reporting Technology Program
The Black Hawk College Court Reporting Technology program is comprehensive, providing cutting-edge education for future court reporters, captioners, and real-time transcriptionists. This program ensures that you build a strong foundation in real-time reporting techniques, preparing you for various roles within the industry.
Most jobs in the field require a robust and detailed training for critical skills, such as:
- Real-Time Reporting: You’ll acquire proficiency in real-time transcription, essential for judicial and broadcast reporting.
- Legal Terminology: Understanding and using legal and medical terminologies accurately is fundamental.
- CRT Proofreading and Courtroom Procedures: Courses tailored to help proofread transcripts effectively and understand courtroom protocols.
Internships are integral to this program, as they offer you hands-on experience, critically important for success in your future career. Black Hawk College’s dedication to delivering real-world experiences through strategic placements ensures you are job-ready upon graduation.
The two-year Associate in Applied Science degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. In the well-rounded curriculum, you’ll be prepared for the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) and National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) exams, ensuring your competitive edge in the workforce.
Court Reporting and Captioning at Home – Court Reporting, Captioning, and CART Providing Program
Court Reporting and Captioning at Home (CRAH) presents an innovative, online training program for aspiring court reporters. The flexibility of the CRAH program makes it a standout choice, especially if you need to balance training with other commitments.
The program characteristics include:
- Self-Paced Learning: Adjust your learning schedule around personal and professional commitments.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The course covers the necessary theory and speed-building exercises to ensure you meet the certification requirements.
- Support Department: Continuous guidance and mentorship throughout your training to enhance your learning experience.
One of the unique features is job placement assistance which aids in connecting you with potential employers. CRAH graduates receive support when transitioning into the workforce, making it a practical and supportive training path.
This program not only prepares you for the Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) and Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification exams but also offers training in captioning and CART providing, expanding your career prospects.
Choosing the Best Court Reporter School in Illinois
Selecting the best court reporter school in Illinois requires careful consideration. Each school offers unique benefits, making it essential to assess several key factors:
- Accreditation: Verify that the school is accredited by reputable bodies such as the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). Accreditation ensures the program’s quality and recognition by potential employers.
- Curriculum: Examine if the curriculum includes critical skills—such as shorthand, legal terminology, and real-time reporting techniques—that are essential for your role.
- Faculty Expertise: Experienced faculty with industry knowledge provide valuable insights and mentorship.
- Program Flexibility: Consider your schedule. Opt for schools offering full-time and part-time options, or online courses if you need flexibility.
- Externships/Internships: Practical experience is invaluable. Ensure the program includes supervised externships or internships.
- Certification Preparation: The program should prepare you for necessary certification exams like the Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) or National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) exams.
- Job Placement Rates and Alumni Success: Evaluate the school’s job placement rates and success stories of alumni. High job placement rates often reflect the program’s effectiveness in preparing you for real-world scenarios.
- Student Support: Comprehensive student support services such as career counseling, tutoring, and job placement assistance are essential for academic and employment success.
These considerations will help you choose a court reporter school in Illinois that best fits your needs and career aspirations.
Court Reporter Schools By State
Conclusion: Start Your Career with the Right School
The pathway to a rewarding career in court reporting begins with selecting the right school. Each of these programs offers distinct advantages designed to provide you with the skills and certifications needed to succeed. By carefully evaluating your options and aligning them with your personal and professional goals, you can make an informed decision and embark on a successful career in court reporting.
Explore these programs further, and take the first step towards your future in the legal field today.