Have you ever heard of Realtime Reporting? You probably have not. It is a relatively unknown career but considered one of the top careers in the country.
Realtime Reporting is utilizing technology to provide an instantaneous record of the spoken word. A Realtime Reporter writes on a computerized shorthand machine using brief forms while software on a laptop translates the spoken word into English instantly. You may have heard of Court Reporting, but that is just one career option for the Realtime Reporter. There is a critical shortage of Realtime Reporters in Iowa and nationwide.
Realtime Reporters are in demand in the courtroom to provide a verbatim record of a court trial. By using a computerized system, the court reporter writes in realtime, and the translation is immediate. The trial judge is able to access the record in realtime, using a laptop. Reading back in a trial is relatively easy for a court reporter through the use of the search feature in the software. This is far superior to any electronic recording system because it provides an accurate and complete record, without any “inaudible “ comments.
Realtime Reporters are also employed by TV stations to provide captioning of TV shows. This is often done remotely; reporters can be almost anywhere and have an audio feed of a show. Reporters write the show in Realtime. Through the use of specialized software, the English translation then goes onto TV screens as “closed captioning.” As with courtroom reporters, the re is a shortage in this field. TV stations a re require d by the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide captioning of live TV shows.
Lawyers depend on Realtime Reporters to record depositions of people involved in court cases. A deposition must be done by a Realtime Reporter who provides a certified transcript of the verbatim proceedings. With the increase in the number of lawsuits, Realtime Reporters are in demand.
An other career area for Realtime Reporting is assisting the hearing impaired. Reporters can provide hearing-impaired students with a transcript of classroom lectures . They can either go to class with the student or access the classroom lecture over the Internet and provide a realtime translation for the student. Reporters also provide realtime at conventions and conferences, airports and hotels, so audience members can read what is being said.
Be cause of t he variety of job opportunities, high demand, interesting work, and excellent salaries, Realtime Reporting is a great career choice. The program to become a Certified Court Reporter is offered at Newton DMACC and is the only program offered in Iowa.
Attend an Information Session where you can meet professional Realtime Reporters and learn more about the program from the program director. A DMACC advisor will also be available to answer registration and financial aid questions.
The next Information Session will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 12 in the Community Room at the West Des Moines Library.
Contact Newton DMACC at 641-791-3622 to register for an Information Session and learn more about this in-demand career.