KByte & any other paralegals

smbrend

KByte I saw in another thread that you have a degree but are getting a certificate in paralegal studies.  This is what I would like to do as well.  Do you mind telling me if you are doing an online program or what kind of program you are in to get the certificate?

Everyone else who knows anything about paralegal training- would potential employers look down on getting my certificate from an online program?  I have a previous degree (MA) from a brick and mortar school.  The community colleges near me don't really have the paralegal certificate program, and honestly I'm looking more towards the online program just for convenience sake, but I've never done an online training program so I don't know if that would look any less... legitimate (for lack of a better word... to potential employers.

I appreciate any and all answers!

K Byte

Hey! I'm enrolled in an online program from National Paralegal College. They are nationally accredited just like all other legitimate online learning programs and accept financial aid for their associates & bachelor's degree programs. I'm really liking it so far. The people at the college are really nice and it has a "small" feel (I've talked to quite a few administrators at the school) and it doesn't feel anonymous or anything. Plus a lot of the course materials/books are online which is awesome not having to buy books. My friend also has her bachelor's (in English) and she did a paralegal certificate from another school -- I think Washington Online Learning or something? -- and she got a job before she was even finished which is awesome.

smbrend

Thanks KByte.  Could you give me the website of the program you're currently doing?  How long have you been in the program?

Lenore2010

Our firm does not discriminate against online paralegal training-it is all the same stuff anywhere you go it seems. I did a 10 month program post degree that was brick and mortar, and went on a short time latter to law school.

Actually my advice would be go with your cheapest and most convenient option for paralegal, no one really cares where you went to school. Now, with law school that is NOT always the case, by any means but for paralegal I think 90% of the time, yes.

smbrend

Thanks Lenore, that makes me feel better

K Byte

Here's the link for the program I'm doing http://nationalparalegal.edu/

I'd like to say I'm farther along but I'm pretty much just starting, I had to wait to enroll until I had enough money together to pay for it LOL. You take 4 "core" classes in the certificate program, plus any 4 electives out of a list of about 15 I think. If you go full time you can finish in as little as 7 months; it will probably take me (and most people I think) closer to 9-10 months.

tinydancer842

It honestly depends what type of firm you want to work at. I work at a bigger firm in my area & went to college then did my paralegal degree at a local community college in one year. Some places like that you went to an American Bar Association accredited school. However, experience is way more important -- I worked part-time at a law firm while I finished my degree. Honestly, I'd work at a law firm before you get a degree -- some places will pay for all or part of it as well. I've only been a paralegal for 3 years & I already want to change careers!