Paralegal Program

The paralegal degree program at Virginia Western Community 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 Virginia colleges that offer paralegal program.

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Virginia Western Community College

Also known as Virginia Tech

210 Burruss Hall, 800 Drillfield Dr., Blacksburg, VA

About
Virginia Western Community College, located in Roanoke, Virginia, was founded in 1966 to provide educational opportunities and services to residents of its service area, which includes cities of Salem and Roanoke, and the counties of Roanoke, Craig and Botetourt, and part of Franklin County. The school is one the third largest in the Virginia Community College System and has an annual enrollment of over 12,ooo students. The school is dedicated to providing the best education possible for its students, constantly reviewing and updating programs and services to meet current and future expectations.

Academics
Virginia Western Community College offers 23 programs of study that result in academic transfer or career development opportunities. Academic transfer is accomplished through the completion of the first two years of a four year education, followed by the application to a college or university to continue one's education by completing the final two years and earning a bachelor's degree. Transfer to a public institution in Virginia is made easier through transfer agreements, though students may apply to private and  out of state institutions, which will have more stringent and varying admissions requirements.

Career programs provide in depth training and education in a specific field. These programs assist students in developing the skills necessary to enter the workforce as qualified professionals and perform their assigned duties and responsibilities properly. These programs combine traditional classroom education with practical courses that allow students to perfect methods and techniques used within their field in a controlled environments that simulates workforce settings. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or associate degree that demonstrates competency and allows for the pursuit of entry level employment.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Culinary Arts
• Paralegal Studies
• Business Administration
• Liberal Arts

Admissions and Financial Aid
Virginia Western Community College is an open enrollment institution, and as a result allows any individual eighteen years of age or older or having a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll by submitting a completed application and paying all accrued fees. Students should supply transcripts and standardized test scores if available, the information from which may be used in lieu of the required placement exam. Individuals are also encouraged to participate in new student orientation to become familiar with the campus. Additionally, student should meet with a counselor to discuss goals, curriculum and program enrollment.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information provided by which will be used by the school to determine aid needs and program eligibility for forming an aid packet. Aid must be applied for prior to each academic year and  may be chosen at random to supply additional information to be compared to their FAFSA in order to verify its accuracy.

Students Enrolled in the Paralegal Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Virginia Western Community College has offered the following program levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

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

• Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
  • Average Hourly Rate: $22.45
  • Average Annual Salary: $46690

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

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).