Legal Transcriptionist

Course List

Instruction Sets
Your program consists of eight courses written to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career.

Students must complete two basic skills assessments before beginning the program — one for math and one for reading. These assessments are randomized and must be taken online. Students who do not pass one or both of these assessments will be required to take online remedial courses to ensure their preparedness for the program curriculum. Upon completing your basic skills assessments, your first course will be sent immediately. Other courses will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with.

Computer Specifications
You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows®-based computer running Windows® XP or later, Microsoft® Office 2010, and high-speed Internet in order to complete your program with Penn Foster.

Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your studies:

PLS025 Introduction to Legal Transcription

This course is designed to introduce you to a career as a legal transcriptionist. You will learn about the typical responsibilities, personal characteristics, and necessary training of professional transcribers, as well as their relationship to other legal professionals. You will also learn about effective study methods and how to apply them to this program.

PLS026 Basic Legal Terminology

This course is an introduction to the basics of legal terminology. It includes specific terms for litigation, torts, criminal law, contract law, real property, family law, and other areas of law.

PLS113 Law and the Legal System

This course discusses how the law works and is an introduction to the United States court system. Topics include function and sources of law; the legal community in America; ethical considerations; jurisdiction; “briefing” a case; due process; the foundations of modern law and the justice system; the English common law system; case law and precedence; the codification of law; the structure of the court system; federal vs. state courts; civil vs. criminal litigation; and litigation in federal vs. state courts.

CSC106 Basic Keyboarding and Microsoft Office Applications

This course is an introduction to the basics of a personal computer, the Windows® operating system, and the Internet. You will learn PC applications in word processing spreadsheets. The course also covers basic keyboarding topics, including alphabetic and numeric keys, keying techniques, basic keyboarding skills, and improving speed and accuracy. (Required textbook and software provided with the course.)

ENG010 Business English

This course provides instruction on the basic types of writing you’ll encounter in a business environment. You’ll learn about business letters, forms, client records, and memos; organization, grammar, punctuation, and sentence and paragraph construction; coherent paragraphs, well-organized documents, and purpose-focused materials; and accurate, attractive, and effective final copies.

PLS028 Personal Development

This course is intended to help you develop the personal skills needed for a career as a legal transcriptionist. Topics include handling problems, relating to your supervisor, improving your reading skills, setting up a time-management program, handling work overload, and effective stress-management strategies.

PLS029 Legal Research and Document Preparation

This course covers sources of law, the use of computers and the Internet in legal research, and proper preparation of legal documents utilized in various fields of law—including pleadings, discovery, and appellate procedures. (Required textbook provided with the course.)

PLS030 Legal Transcription

This course is designed to introduce you to the common transcribing duties performed by legal transcriptionists employed in a law firm or another legal setting. Focus is on litigation, probate practice, family law, legal instruments, bankruptcy, and appellate practice. You will transcribe and format various types of legal documents. (Required textbook, transcription practice CDs, and foot pedal software provided with the course.)

 

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and to assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this program.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

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