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If you have decided to enter the exciting paralegal profession,
you should consider completion of a paralegal program to help you
realize your goal. Because there are many different kinds of paralegal
education programs, selecting the one that is best for you can be
a challenge. Here, and on linked pages, are the tools you need to
identify paralegal programs you might wish to attend and to assess
the quality of these programs.
(NOTE: The material presented on the Choosing
a Program, Educational Standards, Evaluating Programs and Finding
a Quality Program pages is the joint product of the American Association
for Paralegal Education, the American Bar Association, the Association
for Legal Administrators, the International Paralegal Management
Association,
the National Association of Legal Assistants and the National Federation
of Paralegal Associations. These organizations and entities represent
more than 30,000 paralegals/legal assistants, 500 paralegal managers
and more than 400 paralegal programs across the United States, as
well as some in Australia and Canada. These groups and their members
share the common interests of encouraging high standards in paralegal
education and providing information about the field and paralegal
education to the public.)
Paralegal…a growing profession
The paralegal profession has grown tremendously since it first appeared
in the mid-1960s. There are now more than 120,000 paralegals in
the United States. Presently, paralegals are involved in sophisticated
legal work in traditional law office settings and in the corporate,
government and public arenas. The occupation has achieved great
recognition and has moved rapidly to professional stature.
Obtaining a quality paralegal education is the best way to prepare
for the paralegal profession. Since a paralegal education requires
a substantial commitment of time, effort and money, the decision
about which program to choose should be made with as much information
and care as possible.
Regulation of paralegals has been and continues to be discussed
at a national level and by many jurisdictions. However, no state
currently requires paralegals to be licensed and, as a result, no
standardization of educational programs or criteria for employment
has been established. This is another reason why a prospective paralegal
student should examine carefully different programs before making
a final selection.
Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on
your opportunities for success in the career. Since there is a wide
range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself
the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession.
Types of Academic Programs
Having a formal paralegal education has become increasingly important.
Even though there are an estimated 600 paralegal education programs
in the United States, paralegal education is not standardized.
Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths.
Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal
education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and
universities, business colleges and proprietary institutions. These
various institutions make it possible for persons with diverse backgrounds
to enter the profession.
The most common types of programs are:
Associate Degree Programs
These programs are offered by two-year community colleges, some
four-year colleges and universities, and some business schools.
Upon successful completion of 60 to 70 semester units, a student
earns an associate degree. The curriculum usually consists of
approximately one-half paralegal courses and one-half courses
in general education and related areas. In selecting a program,
prospective students should consider whether they might continue
their education to earn a four-year degree at another college
and, if so, should
investigate the transferability of courses in the programs they
are considering.
Baccalaureate Degree Programs
Paralegal education is also offered by four-year colleges and
universities which have a paralegal studies major, minor, or concentration
within a major. These programs are usually about 120 to 130 semester
units, including 30 to 60 semester units in paralegal and related
courses. Upon successful completion of the program, the student
is awarded a baccalaureate degree.
Certificate Programs
Various kinds of educational institutions offer paralegal certificate
programs ranging from 18 to 60 semester units. Longer programs
usually include both general education and paralegal courses,
similar to associate degree programs. Certificate programs are
usually designed for students who already hold an associate or
a baccalaureate degree.
Master's Degree Programs
A few colleges and universities that offer undergraduate paralegal
degree programs are now offering an advanced degree in paralegal
studies. Other universities offer advanced degree programs in
law-related areas such as legal administration and legal studies.
* Continue
to "Educational Standards"
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