Kentucky Paralegal Schools

If you have a desire to work in the legal field, but do not want to commit the time and resources to years of law school, there are several Kentucky paralegal schools in that can prepare you for a paralegal career in a relatively short time-frame. These campus-based and online paralegal degree programs are conveniently located in several areas of the state, and will have you ready to take on the job of a paralegal through one of a number of degree options.

Paralegal Schools in Kentucky

A number of colleges in Kentucky have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), which is a quality that many employers consider when they are searching for a paralegal. Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond offers a Bachelor’s and Associate’s of Arts Degree in paralegal studies. Morehead State University also offers a Bachelor’s degree in legal studies. Sullivan University has two locations – one in Lexington and one in Louisville. The Lexington program offers an Associate’s degree and the Louisville location has a Bachelor’s and Associate’s degree program, as well as offering a post-baccalaureate certificate. The University of Louisville has an Associate’s degree offering in paralegal studies, as does Western Kentucky University through Bowling Green Community College. In the past, Daymar College in Owensboro was ABA-approved, but recently, they have a probationary status by that organization.

Many individuals prefer the flexibility and convenience of online paralegal degree programs. These programs include the Associate of Science – Paralegal Studies from Virginia College and the Paralegal Certificate at Boston University.

Kentucky Paralegal Certification

The Kentucky Paralegal Association (KPA) works in tandem with the Kentucky Bar Association and the American Bar Association to promote higher standards in the state’s paralegal career field through its Certified Paralegal Program. Applicants must pass an examination and provide proof of a combination of education and experience that includes completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program or equivalent schooling, a bachelor’s degree or higher with one year of paralegal work or five (5) years of substantive paralegal work, all of which must be properly attested to and documented. Applicants must also submit a $100 application fee for the exam. Becoming a Kentucky Certified Paralegal (KCP) does not include admittance to the KPA (although membership is not necessary to be a KCP), and requires a separate application and additional terms.

Kentucky Paralegal Education Requirements

Like most states, the state of Kentucky does not have specific educational requirements for paralegals. That may change in the near future, however. The Kentucky Paralegal Association is currently developing a certification exam. This would not be a requirement for paralegals, but would be voluntary. Passage of that exam would give a paralegal certification through the Kentucky Paralegal Association. Other Kentucky paralegal associations include the Greater Lexington Paralegal Association, Inc. (NFPA) and the Western Kentucky Paralegals (NALA) which provides information for prospective and employed paralegals.

Kentucky Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for paralegals in Kentucky is about $54,000, which is slightly above the national average. The outlook for this profession is positive, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that there will be a 28% increase in the decade from 2008 – 2018.

Online and Kentucky Paralegal Schools

Everest University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal (Associate's)
• Paralegal (Bachelor's)
• Criminal Justice (Associate's)

Keiser University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal Studies, AA (Online)
• Criminal Justice, AA (Online)

Kaplan University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• BS in Paralegal Studies
• AAS in Paralegal Studies
• MS in Legal Studies - Education and the Legal System

Beckfield College
Campuses: 1Cincinnati
Popular Degrees:

Brown Mackie College
Campuses: 1Ft Mitchell
Popular Degrees:

• Associate of Applied Business in Paralegal
• Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
• Associate of Applied Business in Criminal Justice

Sullivan University
Campuses: 1Lexington
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal Studies
• Legal Administrative Assistant
• Legal Administrative Professional

Lincoln College of Technology
Campuses: 1Florence
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal, AAS
• Criminal Justice

Daymar College
Campuses: 1Paducah
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal Studies - Associate
• Criminal Justice Administration - Bachelor

Penn Foster Schools
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Paralegal
• Legal Secretary
• Administrative Assistant

Stratford Career Institute
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

• Legal Assistant/Paralegal
• Administrative/Secretarial