Court Reporters, Medical Transcriptionists, and Related Workers
(NOC 1251)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationCourt reporters record and transcribe the proceedings of courts, legislative assemblies and committees, and prepare transcripts for use by judges, tribunals and quasi-judicial panels. They work for courts, 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 work for hospitals, medical clinics and doctors' offices, or they may be self-employed. Closed captioners and other transcriptionists are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Court Reporters, Medical Transcriptionists, and Related Workers most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 52% of Court Reporters, Medical Transcriptionists, and Related Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $38,365. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$22.00
Median$28.40
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,632
Minimum$35,369
Median$53,951
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$27.85
Median$38.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Court reporters record and transcribe the proceedings of courts, legislative assemblies and committees, and prepare transcripts for use by judges, tribunals and quasi-judicial panels. They work for courts, 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 work for hospitals, medical clinics and doctors' offices, or they may be self-employed. Closed captioners and other transcriptionists are included in this group.
Job duties
Court reporters:
- Record proceedings of courtroom using electronic stenograph machine or steno mask.
- Respond to requests during court sessions to read back verbatim evidence.
- Transcribe recorded proceedings in appropriate formats.
- 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 make sure they are accurate.
- Respond to requests for transcripts ordered by judges, lawyers or the public.
- File and store shorthand notes of court session.
Medical transcriptionists:
- Transcribe recorded dictation in appropriate formats or written documentation from medical reports, correspondence, health records and patient information.
- Proofread work for errors.
- Edit transcripts for missing or incorrect content and formatting.
Sample job titles
- braille transcriber
- closed captioner
- court recorder
- court reporter
- court stenographer
- dictatypist
- media transcriber
- medical transcriptionist
- transcriptionist
Skills
You need accurate and fast transcription and typing speeds, as well as excellent proofreading skills.
Job requirements
- Court reporters need a high school diploma and usually need a college or other program in court reporting. They may also need the Chartered Shorthand Reporter (CSR) certificate.
- Medical transcriptionists need a high school diploma and usually need to complete a recognized medical transcription program. They may also need the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) certificate.
Other considerations
These jobs may cause back and neck strain due to sitting for long periods of time, as well as eye strain from computer screens. There is some movement between jobs in this group and other jobs requiring similar knowledge of legal or medical terminology like legal or medical administrative positions.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Health care and social assistance
Public administration
Professional, scientific and technical services
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
65+
25-34
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$35,897 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,364 median annual incomeHigh school
$41,579 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/ALess than high school
N/ACompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College Diploma
$36,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,903 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,755 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.