Legal Transcriptionist

The Legal Transcriptionist training course prepares you to enter the in-demand field of legal transcription with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. As litigation continues to rise nationwide and the technology used to capture testimony evolves, there is a tremendous need for legal transcribers. Most legal transcriptionists work from home on contract or staff for court reporting agencies or court systems, which presents a substantial opportunity for those looking to work remotely in a career with a secure future.

This legal transcription certification course thoroughly prepares you for AAERT's (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) national certification CET (Certified Electronic Transcriber) exam. The AAERT certification is the leading certification for courts and businesses throughout the United States and is required by various court systems and agencies for employment. From legal fundamentals to creating an accurate legal transcript and more, this course is your key to launching a flourishing career as a legal transcriptionist.

What you will learn

• How to create an accurate legal transcript
• Master transcript formatting, focusing on federal court systems
• Discover parts of speech, proper legal punctuation, and spelling
• Increase knowledge of legal, medical, and industry terminology
• Understand professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality
• Gain fundamentals of the United States legal system

How you will benefit

• Develop the skills you need to become a successful legal transcriptionist who can work from home
• Successfully prepare to sit for and pass the AAERT's (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers) Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET) exam
• The AAERT certification vastly improves your marketability when applying for work at freelance agencies or court systems, some of which require the certification by law or because of government contracts

1. Course Introduction
2. The Legal System
1. Courts
2. Laws
3. Life Cycle of a Case
4. Types of Proceedings
5. Types of Court Reporters
6. Litigation Support Services
3. Terminology
1. Historic/Latin Terminology
2. Legal Terminology
3. Medical Terminology
4. Business Terminology
5. Pop Culture, Media, and Political Terminology
4. English Language
1. Parts of Speech
2. Confusing Words
3. Spelling Rules
5. Grammar and Punctuation
1. Capitalization
2. Numbers
3. Intro to Punctuation
4. Sentence Punctuation
5. More Punctuation and Formatting
6. Word, Text Expansion, and Research
1. MS Word for Transcription
2. Text Expansion
3. Researching
7. Software and Annotations
1. Express Scribe & Foot Pedal Setup
2. DR Software Player
3. Annotations
8. Building the Transcript
1. What Gets Transcribed
2. Formatting
3. Parentheticals
4. Transcription Skills
5. Proofreading
9. TAs and Working Environment
1. Transcription Assignments
2. Working Environment
10. TAs and Professionalism
1. Transcription Assignments
2. Professional and Ethics
3. Maintaining Confidentiality
11. Course Wrap-Up and Finals
1. AAERT Certification Information
2. Final Transcription Assignments
3. Final Exam

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course must be taken on a PC. Macs are not compatible.(Most software companies in this industry are PC-friendly. You can use a Mac in this course, but support for Mac-specific questions is not provided.)

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 7 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome is preferred. Mozilla Firefox and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word: Preferably Microsoft Word 2016, 2019, and Office 365, CAT software, or any other word processor. (Only support for MS Word is provided.)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Free Express Scribe software. You will be provided with download instructions upon enrollment.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins, except for the Express Scribe software.
• Reliable Internet

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The supplies required for this course are included in enrollment. The following will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• AltoEdge USB foot pedal
• Transcriber Headphones

Prerequisites:

To complete this course, you will need the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Basic computer skills, for example:
  • Create folders/directories and save files
  • Find files saved on a computer and upload them to a webpage
  • Use a web browser and search the Internet
  • Familiarity with a word processing program
  • Ability to use videoconferencing software, like Zoom
• Eligible for notary public commissions in your state

Merritt Gilbert

Merritt Gilbert is a legal professional with over 15 years of industry experience. She is a Certified Electronic Reporter (CER), Certified Deposition Reporter (CDR), and holds a Certificate of Voice Writing. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University.

Natalie Hartsfield

Natalie Hartsfield is a court reporter with more than 20 years of experience in the legal field. She has taught court reporting since 2007. Natalie holds an Occupational Associate Degree in Court Reporting from Stenotype Institute and is a Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET).

What is the cost of an AAERT certification?

The AAERT certification exam has a registration fee of $275. Upon passing the certification exam, you need to become a Professional Member of AAERT ($125/year) within 30 days to receive and hold your certification.

Where can I work as a legal transcriptionist?

The majority of legal transcriptionists work remotely, however, there may be some opportunities for in-office/in-courthouse employment, if desired. Legal transcriptionists can work throughout the United States.

What is the average legal transcriptionist salary?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a legal transcriptionist in the U.S. is $46,930 ($23 per hour). Many transcriptionists are independent contractors, so their pay varies based on the amount they work.

What is a legal transcriptionist?

The legal industry relies on legal transcriptionists to transcribe audio recordings of depositions, hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings. They will transcribe, format, proof, and certify official transcripts.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes. You will be prepared to sit for the CET (Certified Electronic Transcriber) exam through AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers).

What are the certification exam requirements?

Preparing for an AAERT Certification Exam

In order to sit for the exam(s), testers must:

1. be eligible for a notary public commission AND
2. have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.

For a greater likelihood of passing the exam, the following is recommended (not required) for testers:

1. have one year of experience as a reporter or transcriber; OR
2. have completed a course of study in court reporting.

How to become a legal transcriptionist?

To become a legal transcriptionist, you will need a high school diploma and entry-level experience in an office or legal setting. Formal legal transcription training expands your employment opportunities and can be substituted for experience for an entry-level position.

Can legal transcriptionists work from home?

Yes. Many legal transcriptionists are independent contractors that work from home and contract their services to attorneys and transcription or court reporting agencies employers, while some are employees of agencies or courthouses. Some legal transcriptionists have a full-time position as legal secretaries, paralegals, or law clerks and offer transcription services part-time.

What skills do you need for this career?

This career requires excellent English written skills, professionalism, visual and tactile acuity, and being comfortable with technology.

Is this course compliant with California Assembly Bill 156?

Yes. This course aligns with the terminology requirements outlined in California Assembly Bill 156, issued in September 2022.

When can I start the course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.

What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. You will also receive support from the student advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Am I guaranteed a job?

Job placement is not guaranteed. This course prepares students for national certification through AAERT, and it will provide students with the skills needed to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

Can I get financial assistance?

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available by phone. You can also call us at 1-855-532-7642 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.

The instructors were very helpful. Each time I submitted an assignment, it was not only graded the very next day, but it always came with "Things to Remember". The feedback given to me was very specific and outlined perfectly so that I could clearly see where I made errors, why it was an error, and it made it much easier for me to put the correct way and process in my own notes. The instructors not only gave great feedback and helpful hints, but also provided extra guidance on materials I could use for further learning on my own. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn a new skill, move at your own pace, and learn without stress.

I was a bit nervous to take a course online as this was a new career change. However, the guidance and direction I received from my instructor made the experience much more manageable than I had expected. I feel I’m prepared to start working.

I would 100% recommend this class to anyone looking to get their foot in the door of the legal world or just wanting to expand their knowledge.