Iowa Paralegal Schools

Iowa State Paralegal Education Requirements

Iowa paralegal schools offer many opportunities for prospective paralegals, in both on-campus and online paralegal degree programs. The state of Iowa has recognized the important role that paralegals play; in fact, the Supreme Court in Iowa has indicated that, although not required, it is desirable for paralegals to have NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals) certification. Because this certification is important, choose a paralegal program that will aid you in meeting the eligibility requirements for this credential. This includes graduating from a paralegal program that is an ABA approved program, an associate’s degree program, a post-degree certificate program, a bachelor’s degree program, or a legal assistant program that requires a minimum of 60 semester hours, one-quarter of which are legal courses. Another way to meet the requirements for the NALA CLA/CP exam are having a bachelor’s degree in any area plus one year’s experience as a paralegal. Completion of 15 semester hours of legal assistant courses may also equal a year of experience as a paralegal.

Paralegal Schools in Iowa

There are many paralegal degree programs that are offered online in Iowa. Some offer an associate’s degree in paralegal (Virginia College, Stonecliffe College Online, and Westwood College). Some offer an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree (Kaplan University – School of Legal Studies, Hodges University, and Keiser University). Some programs offer a certificate program in addition to their associate’s and bachelor’s degrees (Minnesota School of Business and Post University. George Washington University offers an online Master’s degree (Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies).

There are several campus-based paralegal degree programs in Iowa as well, and two of them are ABA approved. Des Moines Area Community College and Kirkwood Community College both offer an associate’s degree (Legal Assistant Program). Kaplan University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers a certificate, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees (programs include paralegal studies, legal studies, legal secretary, paralegal assistant, and pathway to paralegal). Northeast Iowa Community College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and offers an associate’s degree in paralegal.

Iowa Paralegal Professional Organizations

The Iowa Association of Legal Assistant (IALA) is the main organization for paralegals in this area. It is comprised of eight regions that correspond to the eight judicial districts in Iowa.

Iowa Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected significant growth in the paralegal profession – 28% in the decade of 2008-2018, so becoming a paralegal is an excellent career option. The middle 50% of paralegals in Indiana earn between $39,918 and $52,108 annually. This figure varies depending on geographic location and type of position (e.g., working for a large law firm, working for a non-profit organization, etc.).

Online and Iowa Paralegal Schools