Oklahoma City Community College’s (OCCC) Professional Development Institute (PDI), a center of excellence for continuing education and workforce development, will offer its online paralegal certificate program starting Aug. 21, 2017. Adult students interested in pursuing a paralegal career will have the opportunity to earn a paralegal certificate in partnership with the Center for Legal Studies.
The 14-week paralegal certificate course prepares students for the legal job market providing knowledge and skills needed to start work. Training focuses on a comprehensive knowledge of the American judicial system. It also teaches practical skills including how to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, create legal documents, research the law and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation.
“The course was very challenging and comprehensive. Most importantly, I started getting job interviews almost immediately after I completed the course and circulated my resume. I landed a job after just my second interview. I went from unemployed to being a legal professional in a little over four months,†says spring 2017 student Justin.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ projections, the number of paralegal positions will be 22 percent higher by 2021 than it was a decade earlier, a growth rate that is much faster than the national average for all occupations. The national median earnings for paralegals is currently $45,480, and freelance paralegal professionals can earn significantly more.
The course cost is $1,289 and starts Aug. 21, 2017. For more information, please contact Kirstin Krug at (405) 682-7856 or kirstin.m.krug@occc.edu, or visit /pdi.
OCCC’s PDI launched over 15 years ago in response to the growing need for continuing education and workforce development in Oklahoma City, its surrounding cities and in the nation and furthers OCCC’s mission to community outreach and education. The institute’s program includes relevant and innovative training solutions taught by leading, certified professionals that meet the needs of the Oklahoma and national economy. Training complies with industry regulations and satisfies requirements for industry certifications, licensing and credit hours.
OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students and has more than 90,000 participants in its various community programs annually. The college is currently the largest adult basic education provider in the state. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 80 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.
