Is this program legitimate? Many questions here
Hey guys, I am looking at an online program at my community college for digital court reporting and legal transcription. The main reason I am uncertain is because of the terminology, and I just started researching this field because I heard there is a way to do freelance legal transcription with the correct certifications. I am interesting in steno or voice writing, too, but some people have said steno/voice writing and digital reporting are different, some say they are the same, I don't know what certifications are taken the most seriously, etc. Confusing as hell. I have seen some people say not all schools are legit, too.
Is there even a demand for people prepping legal transcripts from audio files, or is that a misrepresentation of current practices?
This is a quote from the program page: "Transcribers create hard copies of dictation given to them, usually by attorneys, either by live transcription or working from audio files." Is this not just stenography? Why not call it that? Are we just using interchangeable terms or is this referring to different certifications/levels of clearance, etc?
I am looking for a career path that suits me as a chronically ill person, so I am drawn to the freelance and remote aspect, but I need more details. This is in WI and is a legit community college that I know offers other legitimate courses, it is where everyone in my area goes for nursing and welding, etc. This is a different and changing field though, I am well aware it could change more with AI, so I need more opinions. I don't think AI can ever remove this field due to confidentiality laws, but who knows.
This is called "Digital Court Reporter and Legal Transcription" and you prep for the following exams; Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) and Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET) exams offered by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT). It's online and self paced.
Please tell me your thoughts. I'm super curious about all of this but very confused right now. I want invest my time and money in the right school and certification for me.