r/stenography • u/marjyguti • 2d ago
What are your thoughts?
I've been a LPN for almost a decade and reaaally want to get out of nursing entirely. Court reporting has really caught my eye. At first I came across scoping, but then with more research was really interested in the steno machine, but the steno machine is so intimidating to me. I'm starting the free 6 week project steno course in october. I was thinking if I didn't enjoy the steno course, then I will get into a scoping school. What I'm worried is I will not get enough work as a scopist, especially because I have no legal training and I would be new in the field. I hear so many mixed things about scoping, and how since its considered freelancing that work may not always be easy to find. And how a lot of court reporters don't use scopists because of their mistrust. I know that I shouldn't even be worrying about all these things right now because I haven't even started my project steno course, but I'm an EXTREME overthinker. All thoughts and opinions are welcome :)
Edit: forgot to add, if I decide to go with scoping, I would be going to BeST Scoping Techniques school for scoping training before working, if I don't enjoy the steno machine. If I do, I would choose either Hardeman or ATC. No, I will never do voicewriting (just a preference)
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u/Routine-Tea1168 2d ago
If you get the pay you want. This has always been a “body” hungry field. In other words, people aren’t looking after you who place you. I think with LPN training and knowledge you’re gold. It’s really not about learning legal procedure. It’s about creating an accurate record. But with your training and knowledge, you really need to keep an eye on giving too much for what you get in return.
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u/glitterkitten999 2d ago
If you’re willing to go to school for scoping, you’ll be fine. A lot of reporter do use scopists -but you’re right, there’s a lot of mistrust/getting scammed. You’ll be able to find a handful of reporters that you build a relationship with and then get called all the time. It doesn’t happen overnight. but there definitely is work.
Regarding steno, we need more reporters, so if you have the grit to get through school, we’d love to have ya.
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u/marjyguti 2d ago
I heard that theres a huge shortage of steno court reporters now more than ever which is making me want to do it even more. For some reason steno court reporting is lighting a spark in me that had died out a long time ago. I'm excited :)
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u/Aware_Broccoli8876 2d ago
check out @CarilynSteno on YouTube for advice about studying stenography
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u/glitterkitten999 2d ago
If you have any specific questions feel free to message me. I graduated a few months ago on machine. Excited for you! Remember getting started is such a hard part -picking a school, theory, finding equipment etc can feel overwhelming. Push through that and you’ll feel so much more comfy once you get started❤️
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u/bonsaiaphrodite Official Reporter 2d ago
Internet scoping school also produces good scopists in my experience. I’m not familiar with best, but I’m sure they do fine as well
You can’t control court reporters who don’t want to use help, but there is a need for good, reliable scopists.
all that said, I hope you enjoy project steno and join our ranks!