Programs & Courses

Our next intake date is May 10th, 2010! CCVS’s study options include:

Full-time, In-Class Court Reporting Diploma Program (minimum 2 yrs.)

The full-time program features 20 hours a week of instructor-led class time, and a 50-hour internship at the end of the program which involves students participating in a one-on-one apprenticeship with an experienced court reporter, on the job. Learn more by contacting our Admissions department.

 

Hybrid Court Reporting Diploma Program (minimum 2 yrs.)

The hybrid program includes one night of instructor-led study (Mondays, from 5:45pm to 9:00pm) supplemented by online courses and work that can be completed from home. Hybrid students receive the same 50-hour internship enjoyed by full-time students. This is a great option for busy people who are unable to commute to the Centre daily. Contact us today for more information.

 

Online Court Reporting Diploma Program (minimum 2 yrs.)

The online program is fully approved and features instructor-driven e-learning, making it possible for you to study from anywhere in the world. Full-time online students enjoy the same internship opportunity as in-class learners. Let us tell you more.

 

Professional Development & Individual Courses (ongoing)

Professional development and individual module courses are offered on an approximate monthly basis. If you're interested in supplementing or upgrading your skills, this study option may be for you.

 

All CCVS study options can be explained in detail by one of our dedicated staff members. Contact us for more info.

 

Individual Course Catalogue

Click on the course title for an expanded description.

• Phoenix Realtime Steno-Machine Theory

FNX100: Phoenix Realtime Steno-Machine Theory (352 hours, 4 credits)

Phoenix Theory is a rigorous and complete system for mastering shorthand reporting on a stenotype machine and a foundation for reaching realtime speeds with near perfect accuracy. Students progress through a self-directed and teacher supervised series of computer based lessons that flows organically from basic to advanced theory. By having the theory portion of court reporting classroom based with an instructor present, students have a significantly improved likelihood of successfully completing the program. Theory instruction also includes the use of electronic media and realtime technology (Case Catalyst).

• English For Court Reporters

ENG100: English For Court Reporters (208 hours, 2.25 credits)

Course work provides the comprehensive study and practice of writing mechanics—punctuation, paragraphing, capitalization and spelling—which are vital components to the clear and accurate production of professional transcripts. Students will also review and learn the rules of grammar, usage and sentence structure. A cornerstone of class work will be vocabulary development, which will include activities and exercises through which students will develop their spelling and vocabulary skills. Students will be required to demonstrate that they understand the rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization of sentences, paragraphs, and transcripts through systematic testing and/or projects.

• Speed Building

SBD200: Speed Building (768 hours, 8 credits)

Speed Building is the instructor supervised practice of shorthand theory to develop speed while maintaining high accuracy when transcribing. Using specially designed professional software, students receive immediate, constant and unique computer feedback that assesses shorthand speed and style, and suggests effective and efficient adjustments that will help the student obtain faster shorthand speeds. Speeding Building shall include testing at incremental speeds on unfamiliar material. The same test shall not be repeated more than once every six months to the same student. Speed test transcription shall be monitored and timed. Test data shall be deleted immediately.

• Court Reporting Procedures

CRP100: Court Reporting Procedures (64 hours, 1.0 credits)

Classroom simulations of legal proceedings to enable students to exhibit the conduct and ethics required in the working world including the following: Administering an oath/affirmation; Marking and handling exhibits; Exercising responsibility for reporting the proceeding; Indexing and storing notes; Interrupting the speaker; obtaining spellings of proper names; identifying multiply speakers; handling off-the-record discussions; indicating non-verbal actions; certifying questions; reporting interpreted proceedings; and handling, reading, and signing examinations for discovery. Students will combine their shorthand and transcription skills in the preparation of accurate transcripts using computer aided transcription (CAT). Maintenance of efficient CAT habits will be emphasized. Students will be required to produce a ten-page transcript on a CAT system.

• Introduction to Canadian Law

LAW100: Introduction to Canadian Law (64 hours, 1.0 credits)

Introduction to the concept of law as a social institution. With the use of live simulations, the student will be familiarized with all aspects of the courtroom as it relates to the participants, including the court reporter. Overview of all aspects of law including legal terminology.

• Current Events

CEV100: Current Events (44 hours, 0.5 credits)

This course includes coverage of local events, national events, international events, local and regional geography. Students shall be able to demonstrate understanding of current events through quizzes, and/or dictation.

• Legal and Medical Terminology

LMT200: Legal and Medical Terminology (32 hours, 0.5 credits)

This course introduces technical language that court reporters encounter in the field such as: medical and pharmaceutical terms used by expert witnesses, common business and legal terminology encountered in examinations for discovery, drafting of contracts, criminal and civil law, hearings and arbitrations. Students shall be able to demonstrate an understanding and application of law, legal terminology, anatomy and medical terminology.

• Tools for Success

TFS:100: Tools For Success (32 hours, 0.5 credits)

The purpose of this course is to prepare students for success in school, at work and in their personal life by focusing on intangible yet invaluable knowledge and skills. Perseverance, a positive mindset, goal setting, habit restructuring, and a focus on personal growth and health are not only taught and discussed in this course, but students are given the tools and training necessary to manifest these ends. Topics also include the development of pragmatic skills such as note taking, problem solving, time management, approaches to studying, and team work.

• Professional Development

PRO200: Professional Development (16 hours, 0.25 credits)

This course prepares students for a professional working environment. Topics explored include: effective resume and cover letter writing content, format and techniques, appropriate professional attire, communication skills, professional conduct and development of portfolio. Students will review the role of the realtime reporter in proceedings: speaker identification; and realtime transcript, composition, and formatting. Also covered will be litigation support in the judicial environment, an overview of the reporter's role in providing litigation support, how to use hardware and software, including ASCII, RTF and MSWord files.

• Practicum

PRT300: Practicum (50 hours, credits N/A)

The practicum offers students an opportunity to gain experience and knowledge through observation of a working reporter in the judicial and educational environment by working one-on-one with an experienced court reporter to obtain first hand experience in the field. Reporters will direct, instruct and inform students as they experience life as a working court reporter. Experience gained during the practicum will include helping the production department with preparing transcripts to be sent to clients, reviewing software systems, attending CART jobs, and attending examinations for discovery. Students must achieve shorthand speeds in excess of 180 wpm testimony to qualify for practicum training. Students will participate by writing in actual situations relating to freelance, courtroom, and the realtime environments.