Court reporters, medical transcriptionists and related occupations (NOC 1251)

Nature of work

Court reporters record and transcribe verbatim the proceedings of courts, legislative assemblies and committees, and prepare transcripts for use by judges, tribunals and quasi-judicial panels. They are employed by courts of law, provincial and federal legislative assemblies and committees, or they may be self-employed. Medical transcriptionists record, transcribe and edit dictation by physicians and other health care providers, surgical proceedings, health-related reports and other medical documentation. They are employed by hospitals, medical clinics and doctors' offices, or they may be self-employed. Closed captioners and other transcriptionists are included in this unit group.

Main duties

Court reporters perform some or all of the following duties:
- Record verbatim proceedings of courtroom using electronic stenograph machine or stenomask
- Respond to requests during court sessions to read back verbatim evidence
- Transcribe recorded proceedings in accordance with established formats
- Continued…
- Verify accuracy of transcripts by checking copy against original record of proceedings and accuracy of rulings by checking with judge
- Research and locate quotes to ensure accuracy
- Respond to requests for transcripts ordered by judges, lawyers or the public
- File and store shorthand notes of court session.
Medical transcriptionists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Transcribe recorded dictation in accordance with established formats or written documentation from medical reports, correspondence, health records and patient information
- Proofread work for typographical and grammatical errors.
- Edit transcripts for missing or incorrect content and formatting

Employment requirements

• * Court reporters require completion of secondary school and usually require completion of a college or other program in court reporting. They may also require the Chartered Shorthand Reporter (CSR) certificate.
• * Medical transcriptionists require completion of secondary school and usually require completion of a recognized medical transcription program. They may also require the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) certificate.