We recognized North Idaho College for offering one of Top Associate’s Degree Programs in Paralegal Studies, adding them to our list of top recommendations for students in the area.
We were excited to hear from Amie L Anderson, faculty member at North Idaho College, who took the time to answer a few questions about how the school works to create a great student experience that helps prepare graduates for a career in the legal field.
Are you finding a lot of career changers in your program looking to get their start in the legal profession?
Amie: We have students in every stage of their lives. We have students that have chosen the legal profession as their first career choice. We also have students that have been in the work force but have chosen to pursue the legal profession as a new career path.
Paralegals are really getting the respect they deserve these days, and taking on more and more responsibilities on the job. How is this changing the approach to educating new paralegals?
Amie: The legal profession is highly rewarding and challenging. Paralegals are assisting clients that are often in a very vulnerable stage of their lives. The education needs reflect and prepare students for this. A paralegal education needs to be as practical as possible. The education must allow paralegals to enter their positions as an immediate effective team member.
Does the program at your school include an internship and are faculty available to help students find one?
Amie: The North Idaho College Paralegal Program requires a semester long internship. Our paralegal program coordinator assists students in finding a valuable internship site.
What are some of the things you love most about the paralegal program at your school – the kind of things you’d like future students to know about as they consider their options?
Amie: The North Idaho College Paralegal program is implemented and instructed by attorneys that practice in various legal areas. We are constantly improving our program to meet the needs of our legal community. Our faculty are dedicated to student success, this is shown in the passion that we have in providing a quality education to our students.
Check out our full interview series here to see what other professors and faculty are saying about their paralegal programs.