Court Reporters, Medical Transcriptionists, and Related Workers
(NOC 1251)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationCourt 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 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 decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. 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. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. 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 54% 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
$17.00
Minimum$21.50
Median$25.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,632
Minimum$35,369
Median$53,951
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$21.03
Median$35.90
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
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 group.
Job duties
Court reporters perform some or all of the following duties:
- Record verbatim 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 accordance with established 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 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.
Sample job titles
- braille transcriber
- closed captioner
- court recorder
- court reporter
- court stenographer
- dictatypist
- media transcriber
- medical transcriptionist
- transcriptionist
Skills
To work in these jobs, you need accurate and fast transcription and typing speeds, as well as excellent proofreading skills.
Job requirements
- Court reporters require completion of high 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 high school and usually require completion of a recognized medical transcription program. They may also require the Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) certificate.
Other considerations
Working in 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 mobility between jobs in this group and other occupations requiring similar knowledge of legal or medical terminology, such as 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
Northern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Management, Admin & Other Support
Health Care and Social Assistance
Public Administration
Other Industries
Computer System Design Services
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
25-34
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$38,419 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$41,454 median annual incomeHigh school
$40,906 median annual incomeTrades certificate
N/AUniversity certificate or diploma
N/ACompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College certificate or diploma
$33,837 median annual incomeHigh school
$30,074 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$39,473 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$32,871 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,775 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.This instructional program class comprises any program that defines the prescribed requirements, specified by the appropriate jurisdiction, for the completion of and graduation from a secondary school program of academic subject matter offered for adult learners outside of the regular secondary school program. This does not include adult compensatory education programs resulting in completion of a high school equivalency certificate or diploma.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
50 Elliott Road
Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
PO Box 760, 1575 Lake Road
Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0
(902) 875-8640
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
Court reporting/court reporter
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to record and transcribe examinations, testimony, judicial orders and instructions, legal opinions, and other formal proceedings via print or electronic methods. These programs include courses in legal terminology, legal transcription, shorthand, verbatim recording, equipment operation and procedures, applicable regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
Medical transcription/transcriptionist
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to execute verbatim medical conference minutes, medical reports, and medical orders. These programs include courses in dictation and simultaneous recording, analysis of notes and visual evidence, medical terminology, data processing applications and skills, formal medical report and correspondence formats, professional standards, and applicable laws and regulations.
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.
Job postings
There are currently no job postings for this occupation.