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Paralegal Programs in WashingtonThere are no education requirements at this time for becoming a paralegal in Washington state. Also, there are no licensure, regulation or certification requirements at this time. Formal education has become a standard for paralegals entering the paralegal field and to be competitive for jobs one must be aware of how to be competitive in the this marketplace. Which program to choose can be a difficult decision with so many options available. The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) is considered an authority on paralegal education and career entry. The Washington State Paralegal Association is a supporter of the AAfPE's education recommendations as well as their goals. These organizations are at the forefront of the paralegal education and profession. They are laying the ground work for the future of this profession. Potential paralegal students should consider these organization's education recommendations for the greatest employment opportunity upon graduation. A recent survey conducted by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) found that 84% have received a formal education from a two or four year college or university. There are five American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal programs and seven AAfPE member schools in the state of Washington. There are also a variety of institutionally accredited schools offering online and on-campus paralegal programs. Learn more about the programs available in Washington as well as some considerations when choosing a program below. Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs Choosing a Paralegal ProgramSearching local paralegal job postings for what employers prefer or require with regards to education and experience can provide some insight as to what employer's needs are. Contacting potential employers to find out what education and experience they look for in a paralegal can also provide information as to how to be competitive for desirable jobs. Most human resource departments will freely divulge this information to an eager and motivated student. There really is no substitute for a formal education in the present market. Many paralegals have had very successful careers starting with in-house training and progressing through their career with continuing education and a learn as you go itinerary, however seeking entry-level positions in this field has become very competitive due to the good salaries and benefits packages offered by most employers. Formal paralegal education provides the substantive legal skill sets paralegals need to function in the complex field of law. The Washington State Paralegal Association (WSPA: www.wspaonline.org) has a plethora of information on their website with regards to their stance on paralegal education and beginning a career in the paralegal field. They provide a number of useful resources as well. The bottom line is that they believe a formal education is essential to beginning a paralegal career and recommend potential students to earn at least an associate's degree and "strongly" encourages earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. They also recommend that at least 24 semester credit hours be in specific paralegal courses as part of the associate's or bachelor's program or in a post-degree certificate program. The WSPA is also a supporter of the paralegal education recommendations and goals the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) has developed. The AAfPE recommends students attend an AAfPE member school or a school that has been accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education or ABA approved paralegal program. The AAfPE also recommends that students earn an associate's, bachelor's, master's or post-degree certificate with a minor, major or concentration in paralegal from a school matching the afore mentioned criteria. Online paralegal programs offer a flexible way for students to pursue their paralegal credential. Whether a student is geographically limited or desires to continue their profession or internship while earning their credential, this has become a viable option for many individuals in Washington. An online paralegal program should match up to the criteria mentioned above. Carefully research all paralegal program options, as there are programs that do a disservice to students. We have listed online and campus based paralegal programs offered in Washington below, along with their accrediting or approval information.
Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Washington - WA
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 Washington - Campus Based
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's | Paralegal / Legal Assistant Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>
Edmonds Community College: ABA approved paralegal program and a member school of the AAfPE. Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal, Medical Paralegal 20000 68th Ave. W.
Highline Community College: These are ABA approved paralegal programs and Highline Community College is an AAfPE member school. Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal 2400 South 240th Street
Pierce College: Pierce College is an AAfPE member school. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies 9401 Farwest Dr SW
Skagit Valley College: Skagit Valley College is an AAfPE member school and offers ABA approved paralegal programs. Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal 2405 College Way
South Puget Sound Community College: SPSCC is an AAfPE member school. Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal 2011 Mottman Road SW
Spokane Community College: This is an AAFPE member school and offers ABA approved paralegal programs. Programs Offered: Certificate, Associate's | Paralegal 1810 North Greene Street, MS 2011
Tacoma Community College: The paralegal programs at Tacoma Community College are ABA approved and the school is a member of the AAfPE. Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal 6501 S. 19th Street
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