Prince Institute
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Prince Institute
The Prince Institute of Professional Studies is a private for-profit two-year institution of higher learning owned and operated by Stenograph, LLC. The mission of the institute is to provide the best possible educational and training program within the limits of its resources, to assist individuals in gaining a high level of job knowledge and skills to become successful in their desired career field. It assists students with developing the self-confidence needed for rewarding careers. The institute is committed to employing highly qualified faculty members that will contribute to the accomplishment of the school’s mission. The instructors are knowledge, experienced, and passionate about what they teach and they seek to understand students on a personal level and provide support throughout the training programs. The Prince Institute is committed to establishing professional relationships with court officials, freelance reporters, and captioners to develop high quality interning options for students. The institute offers programs at the certificate and associate degree levels.
The Prince Institution of Professional Studies Online provides a flexible and dynamic learning environment to meet the needs of busy students. Online degree programs are offered through its three campuses. Students are also able to blend online and campus-based courses to create the program best suited to their needs. All online students are required to complete an orientation and evaluation with the Online Coordinator prior to the start of courses. The orientation and evaluation takes place in a synchronized meeting in GoTo Meeting set-up and may feature audio and video components. The Online Coordinator reviews school policies and procedures and navigates through the online learning environment. The Online Coordinator also reviews the system requirements and necessary Internet settings. The Online Coordinator is available during regular business hours for technical assistance. Programs that are offered online include office assistant, scoping/proofreading, court and real-time reporting, and real-time reporting with concentrations in CART/captioning and judicial reporting. Online courses are delivered via Blackboard Learning Management Platform. The Blackboard learning system features asynchronous course delivery with easy access to course materials and assignments. Students are able to easily submit assignments through the assignment drop box and keep track of their progress in their courses through the online grade book. Students are able to regularly communicate with instructors and fellow classmates via email and discussion forums.
The court and real-time reporting program prepares students to pursue positions as real-time judicial reporters. The program is comprehensive and is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to succeed in the judicial reporting field. Students gain an understanding of legal principles and medical terminology, business and legal ethics, and interpersonal communication skills. Program topics include real-time writing, proficiency in English grammar, and how to prepare transcripts using computer-aided transcription (CAT) software. Students also develop a machine shorthand speed of 225 words per minute.
Sara Prince, a teacher and former machine shorthand court reporter, founded the Prince Institute of Professional Studies in 1976 in Montgomery, Alabama. The institute received the Certificate of Approval from the National Court Reporters Association in 1982. In 1995, Prince Institute gained approval to grant associate degrees in court reporting. The institute gained accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools in 2003. In 2004, the institute was approved to offer distance-learning courses. In 2005, the Prince Institute of Professional Studies was acquired by Stenograph, which is the largest supplier of shorthand machines, software, and educational products for the court reporting and captioning fields.
Accreditation
The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) accredits the Prince Institute of Professional Studies.
Scholarships Offered
The Prince Institute offers scholarships for students to assist with paying the costs of tuition and fees. The scholarships include the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) Scholarships, Alabama Court Reports Association (ACRA) Scholarships, Illinois Court Reporters Association (ILCRA) Scholarships, and Robert W. Wright Scholarship, and The Wynne “Win” Scholarship.
Financing Options
The Prince Institute of Professional Studies offers federal financial assistance to qualifying students including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, and Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). The institute also access military benefits such as the GI Bill and Veteran’s Appreciation Grant.
Credit Earning Options
The Prince Institute of Professional Studies grants transfer credits for courses completed at other regionally or nationally accredited postsecondary institutions. The acceptance of transfer credits is based on the decisions of the director upon receipt of official transcripts, course syllabi, and course descriptions from all previously attended schools. All courses must have been completed within the last 10 years and be similar in content, level, and length to courses offered at the Prince Institute. Courses must have a grade of a B or better for courses that require at least 80 percent for passing a C or better for courses with no designation. Students may also receive credit for receiving a passing score on proficiency examinations.