Please respond - Theory I

Hi all,

I am in my third week of theory (online) and am realizing that court reporters are extremely skilled workers! I am worried that I did not realize what I was getting myself into!

How long did it take you all to get your speed up to NCRA standards?

Any advice would also be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks,

Worried Student

Please say you used to be an attorney!  Please.  Please.

Just kidding.  That was an inside joke.

I'd say give it a little longer.

On the other hand, I have had people (unknowing) comment to me over my career, *What's that?  Like, a six-month course or somethin'?"  Or even worse, *Did you have to go to school for that?*

And if that was your attitude prior to three weeks ago, I say run now and don't look back.  

But... if you want a great, awesome, rewarding, challenging career that you can do in any state at any age and make as much money as you want, you've come to the right place.

It can generally take three to five years to get your speed up to the speed needed in order to get certified.  There are some rare exceptions of two years.  There's also about a 92% attrition rate.

The simple answer is, you have to be willing to make sacrifices and really, really want this as your career in order to make it through the program.

I have been a freelance reporter for over 30 years, and it's great to hear that so many love this job.  Me, I have always enjoyed the skill we have, but the business is so competitive and getting the transcripts out definitely, now in my 50's, is really cutting in on my personal life, and I just wish I had a 9 - 5 job, with benefits that I could leave at at the end of the day, and have my weekends to myself.  Something to think about.

Just to add a little clarification... when people say 3 years, that usually means full-time enrollment.  I have been in school a little over two years and I'm at 160 wpm.  I was working full time at night for most of this, and I just recently quit because it was way too much stress trying to do both.  Most students seem to take anywhere from 2.5-5 years to complete school when balancing some other aspects of life, such as work or family.  Unless you are living at home with no bills and don't have to worry about taking care of children, I would say that the possibility of finishing in 2 years (like a lot of the schools like to tell you is possible) is not a reality. 

Also, the money aspect is good to know in advance.  A student machine and software, along with other various expenses, can run you $1000 to $3000, which most student loans will not cover. Then be prepared to spend anywhere from $5000-10,000 when you graduate for all the professional equipment. 

With that said, I absolutely love this field! I have learned so much about discipline and hard work as a court reporting student and wouldn't change anything about my journey!!  It really is worth it in the end.. Good luck!

I'm 52 years old and am considering home study.  I've wanted to be a court reporter since I was 26 but couldn't swing it (no schools around, 2 kids and a husband).  Children are grown and I'm not getting any younger.  Any thoughts?  What is the best theory? -- Debbie