A nurse paralegal is a lawyer who uses his or her nursing knowledge to help clients. Nurse paralegals work as consultants in law firms, hospitals, and insurance companies, despite not being lawyers. They do everything from drafting pleadings and documents to preparing clients for court hearings and gathering information for general counsel. A nursing degree, practical training, and certification are typically required to work as a nurse paralegal.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing is usually the first step toward becoming a nurse paralegal. This is accomplished by enrolling in and completing a four-year nursing program at an accredited college. Once this is accomplished, gaining practical experience in order to bring clinical information into the courtroom can be beneficial.
To become a nurse paralegal, you’ll probably need a paralegal degree, which you can get by attending a residential campus program or completing an online degree or certificate program. The American Bar Association (ABA) usually requires that the program be approved in order to ensure that students receive the necessary educational foundation to meet the various bar objectives. These courses are typically designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the American legal system, civil litigation, and ethics.
The length and cost of paralegal courses vary. The average course lasts 15 months and costs around $7,000 US Dollars (USD). While it is possible to find work with only a two-year degree or certificate, many paralegals begin their careers with a four-year education. When selecting a school, you should consider visiting the campus to get a sense of the faculty and students.
After completing your degrees and practical training, you’ll want to become certified by the National Association of Legal Assistants to work as a nurse paralegal (NALA). This credential demonstrates to a potential employer or client that you can provide professional legal services as a paralegal. The ABA recognizes this certificate as a valid credential. The test is computer-based and given three times per year. An examinee must have completed an ABA-approved paralegal program or have a legal studies degree.