National Paralegal College

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Reca123, Sep 22, 2012.

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  1. Reca123

    Reca123 New Member

    Does anyone have experience with this school? I've had trouble finding reviews. Thank you.
     
  2. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    It would be nice if you'd provide a link. Besides that, I'd say that if you're having trouble finding information I'd generally consider that to be a bad sign.
     
  3. Reca123

    Reca123 New Member

  4. NMTTD

    NMTTD Active Member

    Here's some links that should help you out:

    National Paralegal College - Online Paralegal School - Degree and Certificate Programs

    National Paralegal College - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    National Paralegal College Review - Schools - Academic - Colleges & Universities in Phoenix, AZ - BBB Business Review - BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona

    National Paralegal College - Phoenix, AZ - College/University | Facebook

    http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101025084927AA9R7bV

    http://national-paralegal-college.pissedconsumer.com/
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 22, 2012
  5. CalDog

    CalDog New Member

    In general, I would be cautious with online paralegal schools, because:

    (1) An online school probably won't be ABA-approved. There is no law that requires paralegal degrees to be ABA-approved. But in practice, law firms often prefer ABA degrees, especially in more competitive job markets.

    (2) An online school probably won't have very good connections in your local job market. You may be competing for jobs with graduates of local B&M programs. The B&M schools will probably know your local job market better than an online school located hundreds or thousands of miles away, and can provide better job-hunting information and networking opportunities.

    These may or may not be significant issues, depending on your local market.
     
  6. scottae316

    scottae316 New Member

    While an ABA approved school may help some ways it is more important to become certified by one of certification bodies. Also another problem with an online school is how will they teach you about your local state legal system. Each state has difference, some are vastly different. It would be better to go to a local community college, college or university in the state you will reside in and learn.
     
  7. joel66

    joel66 New Member

    ABA is not as important for a paralegal compared to an attorney. Most of the ABA approved programs are at local community colleges. The main focus is to get either NALA or NFPA certified upon completion of your paralegal program.

    The pricing of $5,688 to $5,976 is too expensive for that program at National Paralegal College.

    There are other programs is that well known in that range.

    $3,250 University of Texas - Arlington
    $6,495 University of Texas - Austin
    $6,995 Duke University

    Lower cost alternatives
    $1,795 Gatlin Education (enter your zip code)

    Also, if you plan to get into the paralegal field in your local market, check the local community college and universities first, because some firms will reach out to the local schools for prospective employees. Especially if you attended an in-class program.

    Prior to getting my new job, I was seriously considering University of Texas - Arlington's online program. You can also enter their zip code in Gatlin, and UT - Arlington also has a program for $1,795.
     
  8. sideman

    sideman Well Known Member

    I agree with Joel on the importance of certification. It sets you apart from other competition for employment. For NA online there are other schools that cost less and will give you just as good an education as National Paralegal College. However, if you're at all close to a community college or other university avail yourself of that opportunity. Especially if you intend to stay in your present place.
     
  9. Reca123

    Reca123 New Member

    Can you point it to some NA online degrees in this area? I'm looking for a bachelor's.
     
  10. sideman

    sideman Well Known Member

    Go to Distance Education and Training Council: The Global Leader in Distance Learning Accreditation and search for degrees there.
     
  11. I would second this. Most firms that I know of look for experience, ability to speak other languages, and certification bodies. NPC doesn't appear to be a "bad" school but there are much better options out there. At almost 6k you're better off throwing in an extra 1k to get the Duke U name.
     
  12. Reca123

    Reca123 New Member

    I've seen some better options for the certificate but I'm looking for the degree program. :(
     
  13. Why are you looking only at degree programs? Personally, I haven't seen any preference of degree holders over certificate holders (with a degree).
     
  14. Reca123

    Reca123 New Member

    You can only sit for the exam with a certificate if you have a degree in something else or experience, but I don't have either.
     
  15. I may have phrased my question wrong. I meant...Why do you feel the need to obtain a degree in "Paralegal Studies" (not sure what NPC calls it) instead of a degree in "X" and then obtain a certificate. I'm asking because there are better options out there so I'm somewhat confused why you prefer this route. I'm just trying to get a better understanding so that I can help.
     
  16. Reca123

    Reca123 New Member

    I guess I figured it'd be faster - but it'd probably be cheaper to get the degree first and then the certificate.
     
  17. stephen_haas

    stephen_haas New Member

    I just saw this thread. I am education director of NPC, and so you can take that into account when reading my post to the extent you deem appropriate.

    First, as a general principal, if it is convenient for you to attend an ABA approved B&M school, I would never argue against that. The ABA doesn't evaluate online schools and, while the ABA has no formal authority over paralegals and while the ABA is not as important for paralegals as for attorneys, I cannot tell you that ABA approval does not matter at all.

    Our school is designed for people for whom it is inconvenient to attend a B&M school or who, for whatever reason, learn better in their home than on a campus.

    Regarding the job market point, we offer placement assistance and our track record is pretty good on that point, though I cannot gainsay that point that we probably won't have the same community ties as your local B&M school will.

    For people who are looking for online schooling, we offer all live classes, we only hire dynamic and well compensated teachers and we maintain a fleet of on-staff student mentors whose sole job is to ferry new students through the phase that every new student does through during which legal documents seem like they are written in an alien language. We believe that we offer a high level of education on the fundamentals, though of course, as a national program, we are unable to focus on specific state and local rules. The fundamentals are essentially the same across the industry and local procedure is the sort of thing you can pick up. Critical legal analysis and writing skills and familiarity with basic legal documents is what school is for.

    Do those other schools referenced above bu joel66 offer those things? I honestly have no idea, but that is what we have to offer. We also have a free CLA prep class for students and graduates to the extent that matters. We also offer a free trial enrollment wherein anyone serious about the school is encouraged to see the school from the inside for a couple of weeks with no fee or obligation of any kind.

    Again, let me stress that if you can commute to your local ABA approved community college and get your AA there, neither I nor any honest educator would call that a bad idea. But if you want a serious online paralegal education, you're welcome to apply to NPC and get a 2 week free trial so you can see the school from the inside.
     

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