Many Blackstone students are life-long learners, eager to continue their education after they have received their diploma. Under a new articulation agreement between Blackstone Career Institute (BCI) and the University of Phoenix, graduates of Blackstone diploma and certificate programs can be assured of receiving elective credits that they can apply towards a degree program. Most study units in the Blackstone Legal Assistant/Paralegal program qualify for 2.5 elective credits and advanced paralegal courses qualify for 2 elective credits. Allied health study units can also be applied towards elective credits for a degree program. For details on how many credits may be awarded for each Blackstone study unit, review the credit recommendation guide posted in the University of Phoenix Web site’s Prior Learning Assessment Center.

Founded in 1976, the University of Phoenix specializes in adult education and offers many online and site-based degree programs, including associate and/or bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, general studies, business, psychology, and information technology. Like Blackstone, the University of Phoenix offers convenient distance education opportunities for those who are working, raising a family or juggling other responsibilities. For more information, visit the university’s Web site.

While certification is not generally a requirement to work in the paralegal or allied health fields, many workers find that earning a certification gives them an edge in the job market. According to the NALA (National Association of Paralegals) Web site, “National surveys consistently show Certified Legal Assistants are better paid and better utilized in a field where attorneys are looking for a credible, dependable way to measure ability.” The BCI paralegal program meets NALA’s 900 clock hour educational requirement to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant exam.

While new Blackstone paralegal and allied health graduates may be eligible to take some of the certification exams upon completion of their studies, it is usually recommended that they work in their chosen field before tackling these exams. Work experience is a requirement for many certifications, including the Certified Medical Transcriptionist and Certified Professional Coder exams. Whether you are beginning your studies or have many years of work experience, we encourage you to do some research about each certifying organization and its requirements. It is also helpful to talk to people in the field who have achieved certification to get their recommendations on what you can do to successfully pass these exams.

To learn more about the requirements of some of the organizations that offer certification in the paralegal and allied health fields, use the links below:

National Association of Legal Assistants: Certified Legal Assistant
Association for Healthcare Documentation: Registered Medical Transcriptionist, Certified Medical Transcriptionist
American Academy of Professional Coders: Certified Professional Coder
American Health Information Management Association: Certified Coding Associate, Certified Coding Specialist
American Medical Billing Association: Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist
Dental Assisting Board: Certified Dental Assistant, Certified Dental Practice Management Administrator

Blackstone is in the process of developing a CLA exam review course which will offer study materials developed by Thomson/Delmar Learning in cooperation with NALA. Recent Blackstone graduates as well as those working in the field will find that this review course will help them prepare for this rigorous exam. 

BCI has unveiled a new feature on its Web site for job seekers, with information specially geared to assist graduates in the paralegal, medical transcription, medical billing & coding, medical office and dental office fields. The Career Center is organized into three areas:

Job Search Strategies: Learn how to coordinate your job search, find resume writing and interviewing tips, become skilled in networking, and make yourself marketable to employers.

Job Search Databank: Search employment networks to find local or national job listings or companies in your field. You can search general job databases or sites dedicated solely to your career choice. Find career fairs, internships, or a career counselor in your area.

Career Resources: Search sites dedicated to your career, such as organizations, research tools, books, journals, job forums and job postings. Find valuable information on certifications that may be available and read articles on the latest updates in your field. 

You have had a busy day at the office and want to relax after work. Your kid is sick and needs extra attention. Company is coming and you have to clean and cook for a crowd. If you are a distance education student, situations like these can be an excuse to keep you from your studies. But you can learn how to reduce distractions and set a pace that best suits you. Here are some tips to keep you on track:

1) Make a schedule and keep to it: Post your study times on a calendar where everyone in the family can see it and let family members know that you are not available during these times.

2) Establish a workspace: If you don’t have an office or study, find another quiet area in your home away from family areas. Make sure you have proper lighting and a comfortable chair and desk. Keep all of your study materials nearby, including books and writing materials. It is helpful to have a file box or some other container to store all of your study materials, including computer software, which tends to easily get misplaced. Don’t keep household items such as bills or letters in the study area: you may be tempted to make payments, etc., instead of study. If there is no quiet area in your home, you may wish to find another location, such as a library, to hold your study sessions.

3) Anticipate what may distract you: If your biggest distraction is the phone, turn it off. The same goes for your iPod, television, washing machine, etc.

4) Don’t give up your favorite activities: Allow yourself time to get outdoors, play with your kids, work on a hobby, watch your favorite television show or whatever you enjoy doing. You can even reward yourself with a special activity for meeting study goals.

5) Be realistic: With Blackstone courses, you set your own pace. Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed by a goal that may be too ambitious for your lifestyle. While we have had students complete the entire program in just a few weeks, we don’t recommend that our students attempt this. Set goals that suit your needs so that you can fulfill all of your commitments to your family, friends, job and yourself!