Paralegal ATC Overview (4570)
Type of Award
ATC - Advanced Technical Certificate
Program Website
www.palmbeachstate.edu/career-pathways/pathway-business.aspx
Program Description
The Paralegal Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) is designed for students who have a bachelor's degree and are seeking further education in the field of paralegal studies. This program certificate renders the student eligible to obtain professional certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) through the Certified Paralegal (CP) examination.
Course content includes legal concepts, legal writing and research, court systems, and business law. Course work prepares the student for employment as a paralegal in law-related occupations, including public and private law practice and/or corporate or government law-related activities.
Program Learning Outcomes
For detailed information, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/learningoutcomes/Program-Learning-Outcomes
Admission Requirements
Completion Requirements
Students must successfully complete all courses and earn 24 credits as listed in the catalog for this program.
Program Length
The program can be finished in one year if students attend full-time.
Location
The program is offered at the Lake Worth and Palm Beach Gardens campuses.
For More Information
Dr. Cary High, highc@palmbeachstate.edu, (561) 207-5150
Paralegal Studies Academic Advisor, (561) 207-5340
Employment Opportunities
This certificate will qualify a student to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants national exam to become a Certified Paralegal (CP). Upon qualifying, all Paralegal students are encouraged to take this exam.
Career Path Notes
Career Center
www.palmbeachstate.edu/Career
For more information about employment opportunities, including job outlook and salary information, visit: Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/ooh
O-Net Online: www.onetonline.org
Required courses:
Required Courses (Credits: 21)
| ENC1101 | College Composition 1 (AA) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| PLA1003 | Introduction to Paralegalism (AS) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| PLA2229 | Court System: Procedures and Pleadings 2 (AS) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| PLA1104 | Legal Writing and Research 1 (AS) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| PLA2114 | Legal Writing and Research 2 (AS) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| PLA2209 | Court System: Procedures and Pleadings 1 (AS) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| BUL2241 | Business Law 1 (AA) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| Or | |
| BUL2242 | Business Law 2 (AA) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
Elective: (Credits: 3)
| Any course with PLA prefix not otherwise used for program completion | 3 credits |
Total Credit Hours: 24
Course Sequence
Term One - Fall (Year One) (Credits: 12)
| ENC1101 | College Composition 1 (AA) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| PLA1003 | Introduction to Paralegalism (AS) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| PLA1104 | Legal Writing and Research 1 (AS) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| PLA2209 | Court System: Procedures and Pleadings 1 (AS) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
Term Two - Spring (Year One) (Credits: 9)
| PLA2114 | Legal Writing and Research 2 (AS) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| PLA2229 | Court System: Procedures and Pleadings 2 (AS) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
Elective:
| Any course with PLA prefix not otherwise used for program completion | 3 credits |
Term Three - Summer (Year One) (Credits: 3)
| BUL2241 | Business Law 1 (AA) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
| Or | |
| BUL2242 | Business Law 2 (AA) | 3 credits (3 lecture hours) |
Total Credit Hours: 24