Taking steps to become a paralegal or a legal assistant can open many career opportunities in a variety of industries and types of organizations. Paralegals may work in a fast-paced law office or be part of a corporate legal department in almost any type of field — including real estate, finance, insurance, nonprofits and more.
Becoming a paralegal starts with education. However, don’t assume that every paralegal studies program is the same. There are several important differences between paralegal certificate programs and paralegal associate degree programs. Understanding these differences can help you make more informed decisions about your paralegal education and your future.
It’s also important to know that when you enroll in any paralegal studies program, you should make sure the program is approved by the American Bar Association. Generations College programs are. This is crucial for graduates — it could be a game-changer when pursuing a job.
PARALEGAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS ARE SPECIALIZED AND USUALLY GEARED TOWARD COLLEGE GRADUATES
In most cases, you need a college degree to work toward a paralegal certificate. People who have already earned an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in something other than paralegal studies but later decide they want to change careers and become paralegals can pursue paralegal certificate programs.
There are some entry-level paralegal certificate programs. However, like post-baccalaureate programs, they are specialized and focus only on paralegal studies coursework. Generally, this coursework includes classes on legal writing, legal research and substantive law classes.
Paralegal certificate programs can usually be completed after earning between 18 and 45 credit hours, sometimes in as few as six months.
PARALEGAL ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS PROVIDE MORE IN-DEPTH AND HANDS-ON TRAINING
When you pursue an associate degree in paralegal studies, expect to complete between 60 and 70 credit hours of college classes. Most students earn their degrees in approximately two years’ time, although some colleges offer flexible scheduling and year-round courses to help students enter the workforce faster. For example, Generations College’s Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies program can be completed in as little as 16 months full time.
Earning your degree can show employers you have both the specific skill-set and knowledge they need in addition to a well-rounded general education — including courses designed to teach critical thinking, general communication, organization, technology, ethics, office management and other skills.
Paralegal studies degree programs also offer another important advantage that certificate programs may not: the ability to work in an internship or externship during your studies. This type of opportunity can give you a chance to decide whether you like (or dislike) certain work or work environments, and can help you build confidence in your ability to act as a paralegal by putting your skills to the test.
A DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE IS JUST THE BEGINNING
Earning your associate degree in paralegal studies or completing a paralegal certificate program simply provides the educational framework for your new career.
Paralegals who want to go further and obtain certifications can pursue paralegal or legal assistant certifications through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) or the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Basic and more advanced certification programs for paralegals are voluntary today, but many employers hiring legal assistants and paralegals prefer candidates who have passed the paralegal certification examinations required to obtain certifications.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CAN DIFFER FOR CERTIFICATE-HOLDERS COMPARED TO DEGREE-HOLDERS
Employment in the paralegal field as a whole in the United States is expected to grow by 15 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Whether you need an associate degree or a paralegal certificate is ultimately up to the hiring employer. When faced with a choice, however, many employers prefer students who have demonstrated their commitment to a well-rounded education by pursuing their associate degree in paralegal studies.
EXPLORE GENERATIONS COLLEGE’S PARALEGAL DEGREE PROGRAM
Choosing to earn your associate degree in paralegal studies from Generations College is a smart move, one that will give you a solid foundation in topics you’ll need to know as a paralegal as well as the general education coursework that can make you a more sought-after and valuable paralegal.
Please note that paralegals may not practice law or otherwise provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.
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