How To Select The Right Paralegal Program For You

Once you have decided to enter the field of paralegal

, there is surely one other hurdle that you need to pass throughchoosing the right paralegal program for you. If you really want to be a successful paralegal, it is best if you can complete a program in a known institution. However, there are many programs that schools and academic institutions offer. Selecting the best program is often a challenge for people, so that is why you have to read a lot about the specific program you are planning to take. You also have to assess each program and see if it suits what you want to do after completing the training.

Types of paralegal programs

Paralegal education in the United States is not standardized. This means that there are many different types of paralegal programs. They are offered in community colleges, training schools, universities and proprietary institutions. Some offer a paralegal program for six short months while others have crafted a four-year program for the course.

The four most common types of the program are the associate degree program, the baccalaureate degree program, the certificate program and the masters degree program.

An associate degree program is offered for two years by community colleges, universities and business schools. In order to acquire an associate degree, you must complete at least 60 to 70 units of semester units. Usually, the curriculum consists of one-half paralegal courses and one-half in general courses and related areas. Before deciding to get an associate degree, make sure that you can have the option of transferring to another college and continuing your education for a four-year degree.

On the other hand, a baccalaureate degree is being offered by four-year universities and colleges. Under this program, there are further concentrations in major and minor tracks. You will have to complete 120 to 130 semester units, which includes 30 to 60 units in paralegal courses.

If you dont have the time to spend earning an associate or baccalaureate degree, you can still be a paralegal through the certificate programs. Various educational institutions offer a paralegal program for 18 to 60 semester units. There are also longer programs that offer general and paralegal education. Most of these trainings are similar to an associate degree. These are programs that are usually designed for students who have acquired an associate or baccalaureate degree in another course.

The masters degree, of course, is a course that will further hone your skills in the paralegal profession. Most of the colleges and universities that offer associate and baccalaureate degree in paralegal also now offer masters degree. Before pursuing a masters degree, you must first acquire a diploma in a four-year degree.

by: Micah Karsnak

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