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Paralegal Programs in IowaIowa has a voluntary certification in place for paralegals. The Iowa Supreme Court issued an opinion on paralegal certification stating that it is desirable for legal assistants/paralegals to earn certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals (NALA). This does not mean that everyone has to have a certification or that employers require a certification, however, the American Bar Association recognizes that this certification demonstrates a high level of paralegal professional achievement. Voluntary certification acknowledged by the Iowa Supreme Court is a growth step for the paralegal profession in Iowa and a base for establishing a standard for the profession. What this means to you is that when considering your paralegal education, keep in mind the specific eligibility requirements for taking the NALA CLA/CP exam. The paralegal profession has become extremely competitive for positions due to the excellent salaries, benefits and bonuses offered. The profession is projected to grow considerably through 2016, however the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that those with formal training will have the most opportunity for the best paralegal jobs. Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs What Should You Look for in a Paralegal Education Program?Considering that NALA CLA/CP Certification is a desired credential Iowa, you may want to take a look at the eligibility requirements for the NALA CLA/CP Certification exam and choose a paralegal program that will help you meet these eligibility requirements. Eligibility requirements according to the NALA website include graduation from a legal assistant or paralegal program that is :
A bachelor's degree in any field plus one year's experience as a legal assistant/paralegal will also meet the eligibility requirements for the NALA CLA/CP exam. Successful completion of at least 15 semester hours (or equivalent) of substantive legal assistant courses will be considered equivalent to one year's experience as a legal assistant. NALA as well as many of the paralegal associations and bar associations throughout the country consider paralegal synonymous with legal assistant. Some employers will require graduation from an ABA approved paralegal program with a bachelor's degree and 3 or more years work experience as a paralegal and others will desire only formal training and no work experience. You need to be the judge of what is happening in your local marketplace as far as what your potential employers are looking for when filling a paralegal position. The best way to do this is to contact places you'd like to work and find out what they are looking for in a paralegal job candidate with regards to education, skills and work experience. It is important to find a school that is nationally or regionally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or a program that is ABA approved. There are only two ABA approved paralegal programs in Iowa. Programs with these credentials offer a legitimacy to the paralegal education you will be receiving, that is recognizable to the Iowa paralegal associations and Iowa State Bar Association. An associate's degree in paralegal studies, a paralegal bachelor's degree or a paralegal credential with an associate's or bachelor's degree is becoming the standard for education in the paralegal field, so take a close look at these programs to build your foundation in the paralegal field. Research the programs below to find the one that fits your personal and professional goals.
Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Iowa
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
AAS in 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
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. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A.S. Paralegal Studies
Everest University Online: The Everest University Online paralegal associate degree program is widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Let Everest help you pursue your paralegal education and career goals. Request information today! Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Paralegal Associate's Degree
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
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
Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Certificate in Paralegal
Rasmussen College: Accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education. Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Paralegal Degree Programs in Iowa - Campus Based
Kaplan University: Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.. Programs Offered: Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Legal Secretary, Paralegal Assistant, Pathway to Paralegal Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==> Des Moines, Cedar Falls, Davenport, Mason City
Des Moines Area Community College: ABA approved program Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assistant Program 1100 7th Street
Kirkwood Community College: ABA approved program Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program 6301 Kirkwood Boulevard SW
Northeast Iowa Community College: Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools through the Higher Learning Commission an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Northeast Iowa Community College - Peosta Campus
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