Both our Court Reporting and Realtime Court Reporting programs offer comprehensive training on all aspects of being a successful court reporter. All courses in both programs are instructor-led and can be completed online through the CCVS Learning Management System (LMS). Our academic courses are designed to be asynchronous, meaning that you and your fellow students do not have to meet on the LMS at specific times. Aside from weekly due dates for assignments, you are free to set your schedule for both your courses and steno practice. As a student at CCVS, you can complete one of two programs:

Realtime Court Reporting

The Realtime Court Reporting program is designed to take a minimum of two years of study and steno practice. The program is approves as a vocational program under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005 and meets the rigorous requirements of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). The program concludes with a 40-hour internship, which provides one-on-one training with an experienced court reporter. Students who complete this program successfully will be able to write at a speed of 225 words per minute with an accuracy rate of 95%. With a diploma in realtime court reporting, you will be equipped with the skills needed to become a realtime court reporter, live broadcast captioner, webcaster, medical transcriptionist, and CART (Communication Access Relatime Translation) service provider.

Your progress will be closely monitored and helped by our team of experienced, certified instructors. Our instructors are available Monday to Friday by telephone, email, or online chat.

Court Reporting

The Court Reporting program is designed to take a minimum of two years of study and steno practice. Like the Realtime Court Reporting program, this program is approved as a vocational program under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. Students complete the academic portion of their studies online while working on their steno practice via one of the course delivery options outlined below. Students who complete this program successfully will be able to write at a speed of 160 words per minute with an accuracy rate of 95%. With a diploma in court reporting, students will be able to work as a non-realtime reporter, offline captioner, medical transcriptionist, note-taker, or scopist.

Your progress will be closely monitored and helped by our team of experienced, certified instructors. Our instructors are available Monday to Friday by telephone, email, or online chat.

Course Delivery Options

Our programs provide three delivery options available to students:

In-Class Option:

In our in-class program CCVS students attend class Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The program features twenty hours a week of teacher-led instruction where you will be provided with the one-on-one, hands-on training that you will need to succeed in the CCVS classroom. Learn more by contacting our Admissions department.

Hybrid Option:

Our hybrid program is a combination of in-class and online study and is a great option for any student with a busy lifestyle who is unable to commit to full-time education. Students who are located in the GTA or just beyond can meet in a group setting with their steno instructor on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Contact us today for more information.

Online Option:

With our online program you can complete the program from anywhere in the world. Like our other programs, our online program is instructor-supervised, which means that even though you won't be attending class in a traditional sense, you'll still have access to experts to help you along the way. Students participate together in a variety of learning activities via the LMS, email, and other online communication tools.

Professional Development & Individual Courses (ongoing):

Professional development and individual module courses are offered on an ongoing 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 (448 hours, 7 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. It provides students with the foundation necessary to reach Realtime speeds. Students progress through a self‐directed and teacher supervised series of computer based lessons that flow organically from basic to advanced theory. Theory instruction also includes the use of electronic media and Realtime technology (Case CATalyst). Phoenix 1 focuses on basic concepts such as stroking individual letters, monosyllabic words, basic numbers, some word parts and punctuation. In Phoenix Theory 2, students use the same types of strategies and resources to learn more advanced concepts of the theory, such as multisyllabic words, complex beginning and ending sounds, advanced numbering, compound words and special word formatting.

• English For Court Reporters

ENG100: English For Court Reporters (192 hours, 3 credits)

This suite of courses covers the English skills needed by a professional court reporter.  Students will learn the rules of grammar, usage, sentence structure, and punctuation.  They will develop their vocabulary and their spelling skills.  They will apply their knowledge to the editing and production of transcripts.  After gaining a solid theoretical understanding of the language reinforced through systematic practice, students will be able to create clear, accurate, professional transcripts, reliable records of the past and useful documents for the future.

 

• Speedbuilding

SBD200: Speedbuilding (976 hours, 15.25 credits)

Speedbuilding 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. Activities also include the read-back and analysis of shorthand notes, as well as practice drills and dictation (live, online, or by electronic media) for 2-voice and multi-voice testimony (including medical, technical), literary, and jury charge.

• Court Reporting Procedures

CRP100: Court Reporting Procedures (48 hours, 0.75 credits)

In this course, students will learn about the responsibilities and etiquette that govern the role of the court reporter. This course provides a brief overview of the Canadian court system, the common areas of law, legal terminology, and the various types of proceedings encountered by reporters. Students will look at a day in the life of a court reporter, which includes the duties and procedures prior to assignment, on the day of the proceeding, and after the job. This is one of the most pertinent courses in the program as it will cover a wide range of court reporting procedures and scenarios in order to adequately prepare students for working in the real world, and provide students with a thorough understanding of the responsibilities that come with the profession.

• Current Events

CEV100: Current Events (32 hours, 0.5 credits)

This course includes coverage of local, national and international news events, local and regional geography. Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of current events through transcription of audio dictations.

• Medical Terminology

MED100: Medical Terminology (32 hours, 0.5 credits)

This course introduces technical language that court reporters encounter in the field. In particular, the course will focus on medical and pharmaceutical terms used by expert witnesses encountered in examinations for discovery, the drafting of contracts, criminal and civil law, and hearings and arbitrations.  Students shall be able to demonstrate an understanding and application of anatomy and medical terminology through tests and activities.

• Tools for Success

TFS100: Tools For Success (16 hours, 0.5 credits)

The purpose of this course is to prepare students for success in school, at work, and in 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 taught and discussed in this course. The course also focuses on the development of practical skills such as problem solving, time management and team work.

• Professional Development

PRO100: Professional Development (16 hours, 0.25 credits)

This course prepares students for a professional working environment. Topics include effective resume and cover letter writing, communication skills, professional conduct and professional technology requirements. Students can expect to discuss various job opportunities within the court reporting field, such as freelance reporting, broadcast captioning, CART, medical transcription, scoping and senate reporting.

• Practicum

PRT300: Practicum (40 hours, credits N/A)

The practicum offers students the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge through observation of a working reporter in the field. Students are paired with working reporters who direct, instruct and inform. Experience gained during this practicum will include helping production departments with transcript preparation. Students must achieve shorthand speeds in excess of 180 wpm to qualify for practicum training. Students participate directly by writing alongside their working reporter mentors in actual situations relating to freelance, courtroom, and Realtime environments.