The Center for Professional Education – the workforce development arm of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – is partnering with the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts to offer a new online court reporting course.
The Tennessee AOC provides support to the Tennessee Supreme Court and the entire state court system and is working to fill its substitute court reporter pool. The UTC Center for Professional Education is delivering online training to those interested in pursuing careers in the field.
Through the Digital Court Reporting Online Course, individuals can work toward preparation for work as court reporters and fill employment gaps across the state.
“In Tennessee, the most critical need for court reporters is in our criminal courts,” says Connie Turner, Tennessee AOC coordinator for court reporting services. “State law requires court reporters to be present during all criminal proceedings. If there are no court reporters available because of a shortage, court proceedings are delayed. Delays impact the lives of many individuals.”
Court reporting is one of the fastest-growing careers in the legal system. As a critical player in the courtroom, court reporters ensure that courtroom proceedings are accurately recorded and transcribed. The median salary is listed as $54,179 per year.
Upon completing the UTC course, graduates are prepared to pass the Certified Electronic Reporter and Certified Electronic Transcriber exams the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers offers.
Upon passing the certification exams, individuals may apply for licensure with the Tennessee Board of Court Reporting. After obtaining a license, graduates may reach out to Turner at the AOC for job placement assistance.
“UTC’s course teaches students valuable skills such as how to create accurate legal transcripts and use digital recording software,” Turner says. “When hiring court reporters, the AOC looks for those skills as well as certification.”
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Source: UTC