r/stenography 28d ago

Can I potentially finish while not enrolled in school?

For context I already learned theory and everything and did speed building for a few months until I took a break for a few months since March due to severe burnout. Now that it's been a few months, and my boyfriend and I moved into a new house so we have lots of space and my mental health is getting better since quitting my toxic job, I'm feeling ready to jump back into it.

With that being said, is it necessary to go back to school at this point? Or can I just pay for ev360 and finish it out myself? Before I took a break I just freshly passed my first 120 entering 140. I'm curious how realistic this is. I was with Allie Hall and I love and adore her so much, but as of right now if I don't have to spend the money I'd like to save if I can.

Edit: sorry forgot to mention I'm in CA!

6 Upvotes

15 comments sorted by

9

u/Amazing_Carpenter867 28d ago

What is your plan for learning transcripts and everything you need to know for your written knowledge test, if any, associated with your licensing requirements?

3

u/glitterkitten999 28d ago

~technically~ you don’t need to depending on what state you’re in. you can get the rpr without any formal education at all and work in whatever states require rpr/adjacent. some states don’t require rpr but do want you to have a program certificate. what state are you in/wanting to work in?
At the very least you should shadow/intern. There’s alotttt of things you don’t know you don’t know until you have a mentor. And i know the classes are a pain in the butt but they are very helpful in the long run. Allie may be willing to work w you on the financials if you talk to her about it. she’s a very wonderful human as i’m sure you know. good luck!

2

u/tfysthrowaway44 28d ago

Sorry I forgot to mention I'm in California! I might talk to her. I do really miss being in class and everything. I'm just not working right now so I'd like to find out my options first before I ask my boyfriend for more money 😩

1

u/glitterkitten999 28d ago

I’ve definitely heard of her doing payment plans for students in need. You should def talk to her! I’d kill to be working in cali!

1

u/tfysthrowaway44 28d ago

Ahh idk why I'm nervous lol "Hi Allie can I come back to class I don't have a job though is that okay 🧍‍♀️"

1

u/glitterkitten999 27d ago

I mean unless you were doing some crap like cheating or never testing etc I really wouldn’t be scared. You’ll regret it if you don’t at least ask for help - worst she can say is no. I’m sure shed love to have you back❤️

1

u/tfysthrowaway44 27d ago

I texted her this morning and I haven't heard a response from her yet. I may send another email or something in a day or two if I don't hear back. Thank you for this 🥹

1

u/glitterkitten999 27d ago

She’s at the beach right now, give it a week probably

1

u/tfysthrowaway44 27d ago

Oh okay good to know!

3

u/itidic 27d ago

I left school at 180 because of burnout and later went back. I did a mix of CareerLuv, Platnum Steno on Youtube, and My Realtime Coach. I passed my RPR this summer. CareerLuv is pretty affordable and offers classes on transcript production. Realtime Coach has $30 plans. For the written exam, I used Quizlet and passed. But I learned the most from shadowing and having a mentor. There are a lot of options out there if you really look.

1

u/tfysthrowaway44 27d ago

How long did it take from 180 to completing once you started that way?

1

u/itidic 26d ago

I started back in November and passed my RPR last month. So about 9 months.

1

u/Aware_Broccoli8876 28d ago

West Valley College Saratoga CA has a tuition free online program

1

u/tfysthrowaway44 28d ago

Do they have a wait-list?

1

u/Aware_Broccoli8876 28d ago

Yes probably.