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Paralegal Programs in VirginiaThere are not any specific regulations governing paralegals in the state of Virginia at this time. However, the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations has established educational standards for paralegals that are recognized by the state bar. They are intended to be used as guidelines for those hiring paralegals to help determine if an individual is qualified for employment. That being said, getting a formal paralegal education can be beneficial, particularly when seeking employment. The educational standards set forth by the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations deems a paralegal qualified if he or she has graduated from an ABA approved program or a paralegal program that is institutionally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and follows ABA guidelines. You can read more about these and additional educational standards at www.vaparalegalalliance.org. There are three ABA approved paralegal programs in Virginia as well as a number of online and campus based programs that are institutionally accredited on a national or regional level. Below you will find a number of schools offering a variety of paralegal programs, each of which should meet the standards formulated by the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations. Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs Choosing a Paralegal Education Program in VAParalegals today are utilized just about anywhere that legal work is performed. They are employed by law firms, corporations, title companies, government agencies, banks, hospitals, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, those paralegals with a formal degree or certificate combined with experience will have the best career opportunities. In conjunction with this, Salary.com states that starting salaries for paralegals in Virginia range from $30,000 to $55,000 depending upon education, experience, and location. It seems sufficient to conclude that graduates of paralegal programs and those with legal experience will qualify for higher compensation. Some schools offer paralegal programs with specific concentrations, but the majority offer more generalized programs. It is a good idea to choose a program that offers courses in litigation, legal writing and research, critical thinking, ethics, and contracts. This type of curriculum coupled with experience gained from an internship or practicum should give you a strong foundation and adequately prepare you to become a paralegal. Remember to consider choosing a program that is either ABA approved or institutionally accredited and follows American Bar Association guidelines. This will help ensure that you receive a high quality paralegal education in the appropriate areas of study. Remember to inquire about the additional services that will be offered to you as a student. Many schools offer free services such as academic and career counseling, internships, access to computer labs, law libraries or other research facilities, financial aid, and job placement at graduation. Such services are generally offered to students enrolled in distance learning programs as well as on campus programs. Below you will find a number of accredited paralegal programs offered online or on campus. Explore your options and request information from the schools that interest you to learn more.
Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Virginia
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 Virginia - Campus Based
Everest College: Everest College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award diplomas and associate's or bachelor degrees. ACICS is a recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
National College: The National College campus in Roanoke Valley, VA is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College: ABA approved program, AAfPE member school Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assisting Parham Road Campus
Marymount University: ABA approved paralegal program and the school is a member of the AAfPE. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal 2807 North Glebe Road
Northern Virginia Community College: ABA approved program Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal / Legal Studies 3001 North Beauregard
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