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How to Become an Insurance Paralegal

The best way to gain entry into the paralegal profession is by earning either an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a paralegal certification. The latter is quicker but more intensive, and requires a high school diploma and sometimes a bachelors degree, depending on the program. While a degree or certification is not mandatory for entry into the field, they can provide needed training and give a competitive edge. Additional training courses in specialty areas like insurance are often available.

Job Description and Duties of an Insurance Paralegal

Paralegals in all specialties are performing more and more tasks that were traditionally done by attorneys, and the responsibility and scope of work they do will grow as their experience and knowledge of the law increases. While they cannot practice law and must work under the supervision of an attorney, attorneys are delegating more and more tasks to them because it is very cost-effective for the client to do so.

Insurance paralegals might work within a legal department of an insurance company, or for a law firm representing one. Their work might revolve around personal injury claims or other issues covered by insurance, and they can help in every step during the process of insurance claims. Duties often involve reviewing the insurance company’s policies or pertinent medical information, interviewing, gathering facts in a case, preparing documents, or other paperwork involved in a case.

Insurance Paralegal's Salary and Job Outlook

The paralegal’s salary will vary and depend on experience, region, and employer. According to Legal Assistant Today, the average paralegal salary overall in 2007 was $53,979, which was a 3.7% increase. In 2007, the average salary for an insurance paralegal working for a law firm was $55,371. Insurance paralegal work is a growing specialty in an already expanding profession. Because it has become so cost-effective for attorneys to delegate more work to paralegals, it will continue to be a job in demand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Explore the accredited online paralegal programs below. Any of these programs can help get you started with an excellent foundation for a career as an insurance paralegal. Request information from the schools that interest you to learn more.

Online Paralegal Programs

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Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Kaplan University School of Legal Studies is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the NFPA and NALA. In addition to meeting the NFPA and NALA work experience requirements, graduates of the Kaplan University paralegal programs will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam. Request no obligation information from these paralegal programs today.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Legal Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies

Herzing University Online: Herzing University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. Graduates of the AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant and Certified Paralegal exams administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal
BS in Legal Studies

Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation. Colorado Technical University paralegal programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam, with the required work experience.

A.S. Paralegal Studies

George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today.

Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Everest University Online: The Everest College Online paralegal associate and bachelor degree programs are widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Everest College, formerly known as Florida Metropolitan University, ranked in the top 100 paralegal schools by www.paralegal100.com. Everest College Online is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which with the required work experience, makes graduates eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam.

Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

South University: South University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The University is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

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