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How To Get Your Paralegal Certificate Online

How To Get Your Paralegal Certificate Online. If you have a passion for the law and want to help people, then becoming a paralegal could be the perfect career choice. A paralegal is someone who assists lawyers in legal matters.

You’ll work with clients and documents in order to prepare for case proceedings. Paralegals can also act as mediators when conflicts arise between parties involved in litigation cases. As an online student, you’ll be able to access coursework anytime from wherever there’s an internet connection—and we all know how ubiquitous those are!

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What is a paralegal?

Paralegals are legal assistants who assist lawyers with research, document preparation, and other tasks. They can be hired by law firms, government agencies, corporations and other organizations.

Paralegal education requirements can vary widely depending on the state where you plan to work as a paralegal. However, most states require paralegals to have at least 60 credit hours or about two years of study in paralegal studies at an accredited college or university (source).

In addition to being trained in legal principles such as evidence and torts, most online programs also offer extensive hands-on training through practicum projects and internships so that students gain real-world experience working on actual cases with attorneys from day one.

Why you should become a paralegal

The paralegal field is a growing and exciting one that allows you to assist lawyers in their work. Paralegals perform many of the same tasks as lawyers, but with less training or supervision. This provides for an excellent opportunity for students who wish to become involved in law offices, but do not want to commit themselves to four years of legal education or three years of law school.

That being said, however , it’s important to keep in mind that becoming a paralegal doesn’t mean you’ll be able to practice law yourself; this credential only gives you permission and experience working with attorneys on matters related directly within your specialization area.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in doing after graduating from high school, then here are some reasons why becoming a paralegal could be right for you!

What degree do I need?

You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. Some employers require a master’s degree. Paralegals aren’t lawyers, so they don’t need to be licensed, but it may help potential employers to see that you have formal education in the field.

A paralegal certificate isn’t a license, and it doesn’t give you any more authority than anyone else who has the same certification. It simply shows that you’ve demonstrated competence in specific areas of law office administration and legal terminology by passing an exam.

Can I earn my paralegal certificate online?

You can earn your paralegal certificate online.

You can earn your paralegal certificate without a degree.

You can earn your paralegal certificate without a high school diploma or GED.

How long does it take to become a paralegal?

It depends on the program you choose and how fast you can study. A certification program takes about four to six months to complete if you are studying full-time and have no prior experience. If you have previous experience as a paralegal, then it may be possible for you to earn your certificate in about three months.

If working with an instructor is not an option for whatever reason, there are independent learning options available such as online videos and eLearning lessons that can help reinforce what’s learned in the classroom setting.

This will also allow individuals who only want basic knowledge of the field without obtaining a formal education such as going through school or taking courses at local colleges or universities (which might require spending thousands on tuition fees).

Paralegals should expect training programs that last several months before they become fully qualified professionals within this growing industry sector; however, some people may be able to complete their studies within weeks depending on their circumstances (such as having previous experience).

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How do I choose a school to attend?

You will want to look for a school that has a good reputation. The American Bar Association accredits online schools, so you can find out which ones are accredited by going to the ABA website.

In addition, you should look at the job placement rates of your potential schools—that is, how many students graduate from each institution and get jobs as paralegals? Schools with low job placement rates may not be worth your time or money!

How do I apply to a school online?

If you’re looking to apply online, the first step is to find the right school. There are dozens of schools offering paralegal training programs and degrees, so it’s important to do your research beforehand. Each school has its own requirements and unique curriculum—and some may be more convenient than others depending on where you live or work.

In addition, most schools will have different application processes based on their specific program offerings. For example, if you’re applying for a certificate in paralegal studies from an online university like Excelsior College or Ashworth College (two popular options for those who want an affordable way into this field), then you’ll likely need only submit a general application form with some contact information before being considered for admission.* If instead your focus is getting certified by NBCE (the National Board of Certification & Education), then there’s an extensive application process that includes submitting transcripts along with any other documents required by NBCE.*

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Once again: doing research ahead of time can help ensure that whatever school you choose fits both within budget constraints as well as your personal preferences!

Will I be able to find a job as a paralegal with an online degree?

An online paralegal certificate can be a great way to get the training you need to start a new career. As more and more businesses turn to technology, there’s always demand for people with technical skills, who have the ability to handle complex tasks. If you’re interested in becoming a paralegal, an online certificate program can be a great way to get started on your path!

Paralegals are in high demand right now. According to government statistics, there are over 125,000 paralegals currently employed across America—and that number is expected only grow as our economy continues its recovery from the recession. There’s been steady growth across all areas of legal services since 2010; it’s estimated that over 40% of all lawyers will retire by 2020 (which means lots of positions!).

You can become a paralegal online

If you’re interested in becoming a paralegal and have the right skills, online training may be the way to go. And if you don’t have experience, don’t worry—the training is designed to help you get some.

Becoming a paralegal can be an exciting journey that offers both personal growth and career opportunities. It’s also one of the best ways to get your foot into the door of legal work—and judging by how many people are pursuing this path every year, there are plenty of openings for new grads. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for paralegals will grow at an average rate through 2022 (it’s currently at top ten fastest-growing careers).

According to PayScale’s latest data on legal professionals’ salaries (as published by U.S News), paralegals earn $41K annually on average—the highest annual salary among all other categories included in their report!

Top Schools That Issue Paralegal Certificate Online

St. Clair County Community College

St. Clair County Community College is a two-year community college located in Port Huron, Michigan. The school provides education at the associate degree level and has an enrollment of approximately 6,000 students.

St. Clair County Community College is a member of the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), which also includes other colleges and universities throughout Michigan. The MCCA offers access to several paralegal certificate programs through its online learning program, including those offered by St. Clair County Community College:

Paralegal Certificate

This program prepares students for entry into employment in all aspects of the legal field including law offices, courts and government agencies such as district attorneys’ offices or public defender’s offices; corporate environments such as banks, insurance companies and accounting firms; non-profit organizations; real estate firms; hospitals; educational institutions (public schools); social service agencies; small businesses; etcetera.

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University of Cincinnati

The Paralegal Studies Certificate program is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and an introduction to paralegal responsibilities. Students will learn how to conduct legal research, interview clients, prepare legal documents and manage information for attorneys or law firms.

This online program can be completed in about one year by students who have earned their high school diploma or GED. The University of Cincinnati’s College of Law has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1918.

Anne Arundel Community College

Anne Arundel Community College offers an online paralegal certificate program. It is 120 credits, which can be completed in 2 years. The program is offered in collaboration with the University of Maryland and is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University offers a paralegal certificate program that is available online. This school has been in operation since 1973, with over 50 locations across the United States. Columbia Southern’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers as paralegals in law offices, corporations and government agencies.

Helene Fuld College of Nursing

Helene Fuld College of Nursing is a nursing school located in New York City. The school offers an online paralegal certificate program, which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school has been offering healthcare education since 1997, and their mission statement says they are “committed to advancing excellence in healthcare education through innovation and collaboration.”

The Helene Fuld College of Nursing offers many different types of classes for students to take advantage of, including:

Bachelor’s degrees in nursing (BSN)
Master’s degrees in nursing (MSN)
Graduate certificates in healthcare administration or medical coding/billing

Capitol Technology University

One school that offers a paralegal certificate online is Capitol Technology University. The school was founded in 1976 and has campuses in Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, and West Virginia. The university’s main campus is located in Annandale, Virginia.

The university offers various degrees at the bachelor’s level and above, including an online paralegal certificate program. According to their website: “Upon completion of this program you will be prepared to work as a legal assistant or paralegal in law firms or corporate legal departments.”

Students who complete this program will have learned about common law legal systems; civil procedure; evidence; contracts; torts (negligence); property law; criminal law; litigation practice skills such as interviewing witnesses and clients; negotiation techniques for resolving disputes outside court intervention; contract review services such as reviewing agreements between parties before they are signed off on by both sides so there is no misunderstanding later on down the road when things go bad between them because one party thought something else was agreed upon during negotiations but wasn’t actually true (a lot happens behind closed doors!).

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They will also learn how to conduct research using databases such as LexisNexis© Online Academic Library Services (LNOLS) which provides access through computers running Windows operating systems only at this time but should be available soon through MAC OS X 10 operating systems as well.

Rasmussen College

Rasmussen College is a for-profit institution that has been around since 1978. It offers online paralegal certificate programs in criminal justice, general legal studies, and business law through its eight locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which accredits degree-granting higher education institutions in the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

If you want to get your foot in the door of the paralegal profession with an associate degree but don’t have time to attend classes on campus, Rasmussen College may be a good option for you.

Wharton County Junior College

Wharton County Junior College is a public community college in Wharton, Texas. The school offers an online paralegal certificate that can be completed in as little as 18 months and transferred to other institutions for credit toward a bachelor’s degree program.

Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia and offers an online paralegal certificate program. The program is designed for students who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree and are looking to gain more experience in the field of law.

Tidewater Community College offers a certificate in Paralegal Studies that can be completed within 18 months on a full-time basis at their campus or online. Students will complete 36 credits over two semesters of study, which includes core courses like legal research/writing; advanced legal research; ethics and professional responsibility; business law;

litigation fundamentals; criminal law and procedure; civil litigation fundamentals; family law fundamentals; federal taxation fundamentals; accounting foundations for paralegals; business communications for paralegals and corporate governance principles for paralegals.

Greenville Technical College

Greenville Technical College offers a Paralegal Studies Certificate. Coursework includes topics such as:

Legal terminology and research
Court systems and procedures
Defamation, privacy and copyright laws

Rasmussen College — Bloomington

Rasmussen College is a for-profit college with campuses in Bloomington, Minnesota. The school offers an online paralegal certificate program that can be completed from anywhere.

Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College is a public 2-year institution in Honolulu, HI. Honolulu Community College offers an online paralegal certificate program for students who want to pursue a career as a paralegal.

The program will provide students with an introduction to legal terminology and terminology-related areas of study, including civil and criminal justice, contract law and real estate law. Graduates may be able to find employment in the legal field as paralegals or personal injury attorneys.

Honolulu Community College has an open admissions policy so all potential students can apply without having to meet any prerequisites or minimum GPA requirements.

Seattle Central College

Seattle Central College is a public community college in Seattle, Washington. Established in 1971 as Seattle Community College, it offers an online paralegal certificate program for students who want to work as legal assistants or paralegals.

The program has been designed to prepare students for employment in the field of law and provides them with the necessary knowledge and skills required for employment as paralegals. In order to be eligible for admission into this program, applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and must complete a placement test that will evaluate their reading comprehension and writing skills.

The curriculum includes courses such as Legal Research; Ethics & Professionalism; Civil Litigation: Civil Procedure; Employment Law; Business Organizations (Corporations); Criminal Law; Torts: Negligence & Damages/Assault & Battery.

What Can You Do With a Paralegal Certificate?

Whether you’re just starting out, or looking to make a career change, the paralegal certificate is an excellent way to get started in the legal field. The good news is that there are many options available for you—from entry-level positions to specialized opportunities. Taking this course of study can help you get your foot in the door at law offices or other organizations where professionals work with attorneys on legal issues.

If you have just a few years of experience under your belt as well as a degree in criminology and criminal justice (CCJ) or another related field, there are still plenty of jobs out there that will allow you to put those skills into action while still earning a paycheck!

Content Marketing Specialist

Content marketing specialists are responsible for creating, distributing and promoting content that will attract new customers. They’re also tasked with analyzing the performance of their company’s content to determine what works and what doesn’t.

A bachelor’s degree in business or communications is often sufficient to become a content marketer, but some positions may require a certificate or an associate’s degree. You can expect to make between $30,000 and $50,000 per year if you’re working as a content marketing manager at a large corporation like Google or Apple.

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If you want to start your own business as a freelance writer or consultant then it could be more lucrative; depending on how well known you get within the industry this job could pay upwards of $100k annually!

Legal Services Manager

As you consider paralegal certification and career opportunities, you may want to keep in mind that the decision to pursue formal education can be an extremely valuable one. The legal services manager is a professional who works with attorneys and other employees in order to manage their work and meet the goals of their employer.

They help ensure that client cases are completed successfully, either by managing them directly or by delegating them to others. They also play an important role in overseeing the budget for their department or team so they know how much money they need at any given time.

A law firm employs lawyers but also has many other employees who perform all kinds of tasks related to running a successful business: attorneys’ assistants (or “paralegals”), office managers/administrators, secretaries/receptionists and so forth. In this environment, legal services managers often serve as middle managers between those employees’ supervisors—like partners or associates—and everyone else on staff (such as clerical workers).

In addition to overseeing paralegals within a law firm itself, another possibility is working for a company’s legal department or agency’s equivalent thereof outside of private practice (i.e., government jobs).

This type of position often involves managing just one person: yourself! It can seem strange having no direct reports when your job title suggests otherwise; however it does offer some distinct advantages over working within a larger organization—namely flexibility with scheduling hours around personal commitments like childcare obligations without being penalized financially because there aren’t any docking penalties from taking off early from work due holidays falling on Monday mornings.”

Legal Assistant

You can become a legal assistant. A legal assistant is a very important role in the law firm world, but it’s also one that most people aren’t familiar with. The duties and responsibilities of a legal assistant vary from company to company and even from case to case. One thing remains constant: Legal assistants do the job they’re assigned while under the supervision of an attorney or paralegal.

To become an entry-level legal assistant, you’ll need at least a two-year degree in paralegal studies or business administration (with an emphasis on office management), as well as some experience working in an office environment. Some employers may also require proof of state certification as well as good computer skills like knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel programs.

As an entry-level employee, you will be responsible for filing documents correctly; creating databases; responding to emails; answering phones; taking notes during meetings; typing memos or letters; answering questions from clients; organizing files according to client needs (which may include scanning documents into digital format); maintaining confidentiality at all times—that is, keeping all information confidential unless instructed otherwise by your supervisor—and much more!

Reporter

If you’re interested in becoming a reporter, your duties will vary depending on the type of media you work for. However, there are some key traits that help journalists succeed:

Independent work ethic. One of the best things about being a reporter is that you can work independently and under pressure, but this also means that reporting demands an immense amount of self-motivation and hard work. You will be responsible for keeping track of deadlines and staying up-to-date with current events in order to write high-quality stories.
Ability to communicate with people from all walks of life. A reporter needs to have excellent interpersonal communication skills so they can interview sources and write objective articles without bias or prejudice against their subjects or readership groups (e.g., political leanings).

Translator

Translators are responsible for translating documents from one language to another in a timely manner. Translators may be required to translate technical materials, such as manuals or product brochures from English into another language, or they may translate legal documents from one language into another. In addition to translating written material, translators must also consider the context of their work and ensure that it is appropriate for the target audience.

There are many opportunities available for translators within the legal field. For example, some paralegals work at law firms where they assist lawyers with preparing briefs and other legal documents that need to be translated into other languages before being filed with courts or sent to clients abroad.

Other paralegal jobs involve helping clients who do not speak English by providing them with basic translations of important documents such as contracts and wills so they can understand what they mean before signing them

A paralegal certificate can be used to get a career in the legal field based on the number of years of experience.

Conclusion

If you’re passionate about law and want to pursue a career as a paralegal, then consider earning your degree online. The good news is that there are many schools offering online programs that can help make this goal a reality.

If you have any questions or concerns about how an online program might affect your ability to get hired after graduation, don’t hesitate to contact us! We hope this guide has helped clear up some of the confusion about pursuing legal education online—and we wish you all the best on your journey towards becoming an attorney!