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Paralegal Programs in TennesseeThere are no certification, regulation or licensure requirements for paralegals in Tennessee. There are also no minimum education qualifications for becoming a paralegal in Tennessee. Given that there is no regulation of the paralegal profession, there is some ambiguity for employers as well as paralegals as to baseline requirements for the profession and what can be expected of a paralegal. With this in mind the Tennessee Paralegal Association and its member associations became affiliates of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). NALA offers a voluntary national certification called the Certified Legal Assistant or Certified Paralegal (CLA/CP). There are certain education criteria that paralegals must meet in order to be eligible to sit for the CLA/CP exam, which can be found on their website: www.nala.org/cert.htm The National Federation for Paralegal Associations (NFPA) also offers a national certification, which upon successful completion, one is approved to use the title Registered Paralegal (RP). Both certifications do have specific education and work experience criteria that must be met for eligibility to sit for certification. Read more about the NFPA PACE exam eligibility. Paralegals that are looking for a long, successful career should pay careful consideration to their education and national certification choices. There are ten American Bar Association Approved (ABA) paralegal programs, eleven American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) member schools and various options for institutionally accredited online and campus based schools offering paralegal programs in Tennessee. More information about these schools and programs can be found below. Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs Paralegal Education and Career ConsiderationsThe AAfPE recommends earning an associate's, bachelor's or post-degree certificate with a concentration, minor or major in paralegal or related area through an ABA approved paralegal program or an AAfPE member school or a school that has been accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Learn more about ABA and non-ABA approved paralegal programs. Schools offering one or more of these criteria are listed below. Online paralegal programs have constantly been improving their quality of education and now many of them are institutionally accredited. Online programs provide an effective and flexible way for students to earn their degree while maintaining employment as well as without commuting. Be aware that there are some short term programs being marketed that do not provide the recommended hours of legal specialty courses by the ABA or AAfPE. It's recommended to avoid these programs. Below you will find online and campus based schools with their accreditation information. With the increased popularity of the paralegal profession and competition for entry-level to experienced positions higher than ever before, formal education has become an important consideration for anyone looking to enter this career field. Employers in Tennessee have no way to gage a paralegal's qualifications or education background, which is why many employers are trending toward hiring paralegals with a national certification. The CLA/CP or RP certification demonstrates a paralegals commitment to the profession as well as that the paralegal is able to provide the highest quality services to the employer and client. Certification is not a hiring requirement, but getting an education that will at least qualify you for the certification exams will leave the door open if or when you choose to pursue certification. Contact potential employers to learn about their hiring qualifications. This will provide a better idea of what level of education and how much work experience one needs to be competitive in the marketplace. Paralegal salary surveys have found that certified paralegals are often better paid than non-certified paralegals. Based on salary averages of current job postings, a paralegal in Tennessee can earn a base salary between $40,000 to $50,000 a year plus bonuses and benefits. These figures will vary with experience, location, education and other factors. The paralegal profession offers many opportunities for specialization. A few of the fastest growing areas include health care, elder law, bankruptcy, foreclosure, divorce and criminal law. Private law firms are the largest employers of paralegals in Tennessee however, banks, corporate legal departments and insurance companies are also places where paralegals have been finding employment in Tennessee. Find a school that fits your needs and goals below.
Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Tennessee - TN
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
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 Tennessee - Campus Based
Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
Chattanooga State Technical/Community College: ABA approved program and AAfPE member school. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 7158 Lee Highway
Kaplan Career Institute: AAfPE member school and ABA approved paralegal programs. Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | General Practice Paralegal, Paralegal Studies Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
Miller-Motte Technical College: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
Pellissippi State Technical Community College: ABA approved program and AAfPE member school. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 10915 Hardin Valley Road
Roane State Community College: ABA approved program and AAfPE member school. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 276 Patton Lane
Southwest Tennessee Community College: ABA approved paralegal program and a member school of the AAfPE. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 5983 Macon Cove
University of Memphis: AAfPE member school and ABA approved paralegal programs. Programs Offered: Bachelor's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal Studies Johnson Hall, G-1, Campus Box 526150
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga: ABA approved program and AAfPE member school. Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Legal Assistant Studies 615 McCallie Avenue
Volunteer State Community College: AAfPE member school and an ABA approved paralegal program Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 1480 Nashville Pike
Walters State Community College: ABA approved paralegal program and a member school of AAfPE. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 500 South Davy Crockett Parkway
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