Paralegal Programs in West Virginia

Currently there are no regulations pertaining to the education, training, or experience of paralegals in West Virginia. Just as in other states, lawyers are expected to regulate all activities and duties delegated to their paralegals or legal assistants and they are ultimately responsible for their actions. The Association of West Virginia Paralegals supports the continued education and certification of paralegals. They even provide a two day course for members of their association to help them prepare for the paralegal or legal assistant certification exam (CLA/CP).

The paralegal profession is one of the fastest growing in the nation today. This is no exception in West Virginia. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, West Virginia is one of the top five states with the highest concentration of employees in this occupation. Though employment opportunities are abundant, competition for these positions can be fierce. Employers in the legal community are looking for individuals with experience and a formal paralegal education. Having a paralegal certificate or degree can help to set yourself apart from the competition when it comes to finding a job as a paralegal in West Virginia.

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Choosing a Paralegal Program in WV

Your have a variety of options when it comes to schools that offer paralegal programs in West Virginia. This can also make your decision a bit more challenging. There are a number of items to look for when you are researching schools that may make finding the right program for you a bit easier.

First and foremost, consider choosing a program that accredited in some fashion. Programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) are always an excellent option because you can feel confident that the curriculum and teaching methods meet their standards for paralegal education. That being said, there is only one ABA approved paralegal program in West Virginia. This can be a dilemma from a geographical standpoint for the residents of WV. It is important to note that you do not have to graduate from an ABA approved program. The majority of employers are very satisfied with those individuals that get a paralegal education at a school that is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education. These schools/programs are also held to high standards and you can expect to receive a high quality education.

One option you may consider is contacting a few potential employers to ask them what their hiring criteria is for paralegals. Do they require that you graduate from an ABA approved program? Do they prefer an associate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal or legal studies or will a paralegal certificate suffice? Do they hire paralegals without experience? If not, it may be a good idea to choose a program that offers an internship as part of the program. If you decide to enroll in an online paralegal program, you may have additional time and flexibility to get a job or full time internship during the day to help satisfy experience requirements of potential employers while you are going to school.

These are just a few of the things you can do to help make your decision a bit easier. All of the schools that you see on this site are accredited. Currently there are no online ABA approved paralegal programs. However, every online school you see on this site is accredited by a national or regional body recognized by the US Dept. of Education. You will find accreditation information listed by each school to save you time when you are researching programs. Select those schools that interest you and request information to learn more about their paralegal programs and student services.

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Online Paralegal Degree Programs in West Virginia

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starBryant & 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

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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

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starKaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Paralegal Studies Department at Kaplan University, is nationally recognized and offers the top paralegal programs in the country, including one of the leading paralegal associate degree programs. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates with work experience are eligible to sit for the NFPA Pace exam.

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

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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

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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

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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
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

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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

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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

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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
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

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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

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starSouth 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

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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

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Paralegal Degree Programs in West Virginia- Campus Based

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Marshall Community & Technical College: ABA approved Program and an AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

Marshall Community & Technical College
One John Marshall Drive
Huntington, WV 25755-2700
(304) 696-3021

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Mountain State University: AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies

PO Box AG
Beckley, WV 25802
Phone: (304) 253-7351

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