Medical paralegals assist attorneys in gathering information and preparing cases involving medical issues such as malpractice suits and personal injury claims. Interviewing patients and doctors, as well as reviewing hospital forms, bills, and statements, they investigate claims. A person who wants to become a medical paralegal usually needs training and experience in both health care and legal settings in order to prepare for the responsibilities of the job. The majority of paralegals enter the field after working in medical settings and earning paralegal certifications from community colleges or technical schools. A professional may also need to pass a certification exam administered by a professional organization, depending on the region and setting in which he or she wishes to work.
A person who wants to work as a medical paralegal should be well-versed in health-care regulations and common medical services. A legal assistant who is familiar with the fundamentals of nursing, medical billing, and insurance transactions will have an easier time uncovering facts and interpreting technical data. Indeed, many practicing medical paralegals have worked as nurses, hospital aides, physician assistants, or medical coders in the past. Their expertise is frequently required when putting together accurate and thorough cases for attorneys.
An experienced health-care professional who wants to work as a medical paralegal can do some research online and contact potential employers to find out about specific regional requirements. In the majority of cases, a paralegal studies degree or certificate is required. Many community colleges, vocational schools, and online colleges offer paralegal programs that last anywhere from three months to two years. To ensure that a person who wants to become a medical paralegal earns relevant credentials, he or she should make sure that the program is fully accredited by the appropriate regional or national governing board.
Teachers provide detailed instruction to paralegal students in a variety of subjects. He or she studies law terminology, legal research, statistics, and computer science, as well as other related subjects. Some programs provide internship opportunities for aspiring paralegals, allowing them to gain valuable experience in the field.
Graduates can apply for entry-level positions at private law firms and government agencies after earning a degree or certificate. New paralegals usually work as assistants to other paralegals for a few weeks or months to get a feel for the job’s specific responsibilities. After gaining experience, a person may be required to take a certification exam in order to become a certified medical paralegal and earn the right to work unsupervised.