Happy young woman using laptop
If would like to get your paralegal training from an online school, then you may want to consider the National Paralegal College. Whether you’ve already completed some college or if you are starting fresh with your education, you will likely find a program at this school to meet your needs.

The National Paralegal College offers three main programs. Through these courses you can either earn a paralegal certificate, a paralegal associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in legal studies. Read the descriptions below to determine which program is best for you.

Certificate Program

The certificate program is best suited to students who already have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or for those who have several years experience working as a paralegal. Although the school will accept students into this program that do not have any prior education or experience, you may find it difficult to get a job with only a certificate and not a degree.

This is the shortest program the school offers, and if you take three courses at a time you can complete the curriculum in seven months. However, if you don’t feel like you can fit three classes into your schedule, you can stretch your studies out to nine or seventeen months by taking just one or two classes at a time.

Associate’s Degree Program

Most paralegals choose to earn an associate’s degree, but the good thing about the National Paralegal School is that you can use your associate’s degree as a “stepping-stone” to a bachelor’s degree. Since the school offers both courses of study, the associate’s curriculum flows naturally into the bachelor’s program. This is a great option for those who want to receive their education in stages.

Unlike most colleges where it takes at least two years to earn an associate’s degree, you can earn this degree at the National Paralegal College in as little as fifteen months. Again, like the certificate program, you can also choose to draw it out to 21 or 41 months.

Bachelor’s Degree Program

Earning a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies will provide you with a broader range of knowledge and will make you more competitive when looking for a job. In this program you will explore advanced legal topics and will acquire more career-oriented skills. This degree is best suited to those who want to reach the highest level within their field.

Surprisingly, you can earn your bachelor’s degree at the National Paralegal College in less than three years by taking three classes at a time. However, if you are trying to work while attending college then you may want to slow down the pace and finish in four to seven years.

The flexible options at the National Paralegal College make it appealing to a variety of students. Perhaps most importantly, the school is accredited by several agencies including the NALA and the AAfPE. These accreditations mean your degree qualifies you to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant exam, which designates you as a professional to potential employers. If you would like more information, you can go to the school’s website, and even enroll in a two-week trial period.