Paralegal Program

The paralegal degree program at Clark College teaches students to perform legal research, as well as drafting, investigatory record-keeping, and other administrative functions related to the legal system. Students who graduate the program will perform these functions under the supervision of an attorney or in a court and will gain instruction from the program in legal research, drafting legal documents, appraising, pleading, courthouse procedures, and other legal specializations. Get more details below including other Washington colleges that offer paralegal program.

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Clark College

71 Gage Blvd., Richland, WA

About
Clark College, located in Vancouver, Washington, was founded in 1933, during the Great Depression. The school was quickly given accreditation, and expanded its role in the community, offering programs to educate and train individuals. The school saw particular growth after World War II, with the return of soldiers seeking career training and education in order to pursue employment and personal growth. Since that time the school has expanded in scope and size, increasing its enrollment greatly and requiring expansions to the campus in order to meet the needs of the community. The school is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community and individual students, and does so by reviewing programs and services and updating them as necessary to meet current and future student expectations.

Academics
Clark College offers a large variety of programs that allow for career development or academic transfer. Students will choose the program that best assists in the realization of their goals. Career programs provide training and education in a specific field and allow the student to develop the skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as a qualified professional. These programs typically mix classroom theory and education with practical education, providing a controlled environment in order for students to utilize and perfect methods and techniques used within their field. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or associate degree which demonstrates competency to employers when seeking entry level employment.

Academic transfer is accomplished by through programs that cover the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying to a college or university to continue the student's education, completing the final two years and earning their bachelor's degree. Students will have an easier time transferring to public schools in Washington through preexisting transfer agreements that ease the process and guarantee admission if certain requirements are met. Students may apply to out of state or private institutions, through admissions will be more stringent and requirements may vary. Students should meet with an academic advisor to discuss transfer requirements and develop a curriculum that best meets the needs of the desired school or schools.

Programs offered include:

• Nursing
• Business Administration
• Biology
• Philosophy
• Communication

Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution, any individual wishing to enroll at Clark College may do so by meeting the minimum admissions requirements and submitting a completed application. Students should also supply transcripts and standardized test scores, which may be used to determine course level for general education in lieu of a placement exam. Students should also participate in new student orientation to familiarize themselves with the campus and meet with a counselor to discuss goals, curriculum and program enrollment.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Aid is awarded based on need and aid program eligibility as determined by information provided through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be submitted prior to each academic year and is the primary source of information regarding a student's financial situation. Students may be chosen at random to supply additional information to be compared to their FAFSA in order to verify its accuracy. This is due to new federal regulations governing the disbursement of aid.

Athletics
Clark College is home to a number of clubs and organizations that focus on varying topics and interests. Students are encouraged to participate in one or more of these clubs in order to meet new people, discuss new ideas, participate in campus events, and to grow outside for a classroom setting. A full list of available clubs may be found online or on campus, with posted meeting times and dates.

Clubs and organizations include:

• Aerospace Club
• Archaeology and History Club
• Diesel Dogs Club
• Engineering Club
• International Club

Career Options for Graduates

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Description

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, paralegals and legal assistants employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Kennewick-Richland, WA
  • Total Employment: 40
  • Average Hourly Rate: $21.04
  • Average Annual Salary: $43770

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Description

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, title examiners, abstractors, and searchers employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -0.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Kennewick-Richland, WA
  • Total Employment: 60
  • Average Hourly Rate: $19.51
  • Average Annual Salary: $40570

Legal Support Workers, All Other

Description

All legal support workers not listed separately.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).