Are you a high school senior not sure about taking the college path for your future? Or, are you interested in learning a new skill set? Maybe you’re just ready to explore a new career choice. Now could be the perfect time for college bound student unsure about committing to a four-year traditional college, to take advantage of the National Court Reporters Association’s (NCRA) A to Z® Intro to Steno Machine Shorthand program, a free online six-week introductory course that let’s participants see if a career in court reporting or captioning is a good fit for them. NCRA is the country’s leading organization representing stenographic court reporters and captioners.
NCRA’s A to Z Intro to Steno Machine Shorthand program is an introductory course in stenographic theory. It provides participants with the opportunity to learn the basics of writing on a steno machine. There is no charge to take the course, but participants are required to have access to a steno machine or an iPad they can use to download an iStenoPad app. NCRA does not have any machines available for rent at this time.
The program is a hybrid course combining both live online instructor sessions with videos and dictation materials for self-paced practice. During the six-week program, experienced court reporters teach participants the alphabet in steno and how to write on a machine.
The course is perfect for high school seniors who are still considering what career path to follow upon graduation in the spring. A career in court reporting or captioning is also a viable one for military members post service, their spouses, career changers, or college graduates who decide their chosen field was not the right one for them.
“Imagine a career with a ringside seat to all the action. From capturing the official record in high-profile criminal trials, speeches on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, to major sporting events or breaking news, a career in court reporting or captioning can lead to unlimited opportunities,†said Cynthia Bruce Andrews, the NCRA Senior Director, Education & Certifications.
“If you’re looking for a career that is on the cutting edge of technology, offers the opportunity for work at home or abroad, like to write, enjoy helping others, and are fast with your fingers, then the fields of court reporting and captioning are careers you should explore,†she added.
Participants in the NCRA A to Z program are taught by volunteer professionals working in the court reporting and captioning arenas. These program leaders also share insights into the many aspects of court reporting and captioning that make it a viable profession, including good salaries, flexibility, interesting venues, and the increasing demand for more reporters and captioners to meet the growing number of employment opportunities available in the field.
If you are interested in taking the program online, please visit www.atozdiscoversteno.org.
