Course Overview

PWaP (Punctuation with a Purpose)

• • Online instruction to bring the punctuation rules to life and make them easy to understand and remember

• • Includes Morson’s English Guide for Court Reporters, the industry standard on punctuation rules for transcripts

• • Learn to properly punctuate transcripts using online and book instruction so the rules are always at your fingertips

• • Obtain the ability to distinguish different homophones and commonly misspelled words

• • Learn how punctuation can change the meaning of a word or sentence

• • Quizzes are given throughout the section and a final mastery test must be passed to ensure students are able to apply proper punctuation throughout a transcript

Medical & Legal Terminology

• • Medical dictionaries and terms resources

• • Legal dictionaries and terms resources

• • Learn to quickly find medical and legal terms and definitions, what reference materials are essential, and how to do research terms via the Internet. We do not force our students to waste valuable time memorizing Latin or learning words and terms they may never come across in a file and/or are easy to look up if needed.

Research 101

• • Fun exercises to learn how to use search tools effectively for finding words, terms, names, and spellings in a transcript and ensure they are accurate

• • Know how to handle a situation when a word/term/spelling can’t be verified

• • Gain knowledge of tools used to find addresses/locations

Steno (Notereading)

• • One of the most loved parts of the program! Learn how to read the steno language.

• • Step-by-step lessons broken down into easily managed pieces that build in progression

• • Practice for each section to solidify the skill

• • Final exam to ensure a solid grasp of the material

Study Hall

• • Filled with tons of extra lessons/assignments for students who want to have more practice

Getting Technical

• • Let’s make sure you know the basics of your PC and Windows and what is needed for scoping.

• • Learn to edit, save, and email files to/from the reporter

• • What RTF and ASCII files are and when to use them

Transcription Production

• • The job of a scopist. How to actually “work” the file

• • Learning how files are formatted and how to include all the information needed to complete a transcript

• • What is a preference sheet and how to use one

CAT Training Center

• • Main supported systems: Eclipse and CaseCATalyst

• • Secondary supported systems:  MaxScribe

• • CAT Vendors – what they offer and how to purchase

• • Select, purchase, and become familiar with a CAT (computer-aided transcription) software system. (The cost of a CAT system is not included in the price of this training course, but many CAT vendors offer a reduced price to BeST students.)

• • Step-by-step “Up To Speed” training modules on chosen CAT software to get students up and running on their software the fastest and easiest way

• • Walk-through videos to help students become proficient

• • Practice files for hands-on training

• • CAT tips and tricks in the training modules on whichever software you select

Realtime/Immediate Scoping

• • Learn how to make more money with faster turnaround time files

• • Important things to know before you jump in the deep end

Organizing Your Business

• • Learn how to run a successful scoping business, general bookkeeping, income/expenses.

• • Learn to organize your scoping business – scheduling your work, handling multiple reporters, pacing yourself, when to say no, when and where to ask for help when you have too much work

• • Dealing with client preferences

• • Invoicing your clients and getting paid promptly

Marketing Your Services

• • Proven no-cost ways for reporters to find BeST graduates

• • What to say (or not say) when speaking with reporters

• • What will end your career before you even start

• • To help you succeed, BeST will provide you with a starting supply of business cards and a custom web page to actively advertise your services on a continual basis.

• • Access to private BeST work leads generated from our website at ReporterSupport.com as well as firms seeking BeST graduates 

• • Private access to BeST work leads board by CAT system

Defining Your Terms and Conditions

• • Learning how to work as a team with reporters for a happy, healthy relationship

• • Setting yourself up for success

• • Defining your business plan

Just So You Know

• • Tons of additional information we want our students to have for a successful and fulfilling professional scoping career