Learn digital court reporting in just six weeks
Tidewater Community College prepares students for certification in the high demand, cutting edge field of digital court reporting.
Sponsored by TCC’s Center for Military and Veterans Education (CMVE), the six-week program trains students in court and deposition procedures and practices, audio and video equipment and the complete process of advanced digital court reporting.
SkillBridge-approval enables eligible transitioning service members within 180 days of separation, with command approval, to participate in training as their place of duty. Students who successfully complete program requirements are guaranteed an offer of employment with Veterans Reporters Inc., either in Virginia or in their offices nationwide.
“There is a looming critical need for court reporters across the country,” said Batanya Gipson, project manager for military contract programs at the CMVE. “Many court systems are looking to digital court reporting as the answer. The digital court reporting program at TCC offers students the ability to make themselves marketable in this new and growing field.”
The next session begins April 16 and concludes May 25. Classes meet weekdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on the Virginia Beach Campus. Additional sessions are scheduled for:
- June 18 – July 27
- Aug. 20 – Sept. 28
- Oct. 22 – Dec. 5
The course, recognized by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT), prepares graduates for the national certification exam.
Donna Jenkins completed the program last fall and was hired immediately by Veteran Reporters Inc.
“You have to be a very meticulous person,” said Jenkins, who works in Washington, D.C. “You have to be committed and you have to recognize the seriousness of what you’re doing because people’s lives depend on what you’re doing and the record you’re taking.”
Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent and basic keyboarding and computer skills to enroll.
Although the program is geared to transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses, enrollment is open to anyone.
The cost of the program is $3,950.
Students who complete the program earn 24 Continuing Education Units, a TCC certificate of completion and membership in AAERT.
Military-related students should contact the CMVE for information on using their education benefits to enroll in the digital court reporting program. Contact Gipson at 757-822-7724 or bgipson@tcc.edu or email military@tcc.edu to enroll in the program.