Welcome to the first issue of Blackstone Career Institute’s eNewsletter! In this monthly update, we’ll offer announcements about Blackstone career training programs, information and advice that can help you pursue your professional and personal goals, and news about the distance education field.

If you have ideas for topics you would like to see us cover or information you would like to share with other readers pertaining to career training and preparation, we would love to hear from you. Just send your ideas to us at news@blackstone.edu and please include your full name and address.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Blackstone's eNewsletter!

In response to popular demand, Blackstone has introduced a course in Criminal Law. One of Blackstone’s eight Advanced Paralegal Courses, Criminal Law is designed for practicing paralegals who want to specialize in this field, as well as individuals who are interested in learning more about this important facet of our legal system.

“We carefully consider all of the feedback Blackstone graduates submit in our survey sent shortly after course completion. Criminal law was identified as the field students were most interested in learning more about,” explains Kevin McCloskey, president of Blackstone. “We listen to what our students have to say and plan to continue to introduce new courses and programs based on their suggestions.”

The new Criminal Law course discusses the criminal justice system and its components, including the specific elements of crime, and focuses on the paralegal’s role in trial preparations and procedures. Students are challenged to apply their legal reasoning skills to realistic case scenarios, analysis problems and other exercises. Ethical concerns and performance standards are also emphasized throughout the course.

As with all of BCI’s advanced courses, students receive a commercial textbook and specially prepared Blackstone study guide with six lessons and exams, which can be submitted through the exclusive Online Student Center. And Advanced Paralegal Courses qualify as continuing legal education credit for Certified Legal Assistants (CLAs) and are also approved by NALS. . .the association for legal professionals.

To request more information, click here.

Blackstone understands the need for military personnel and their spouses to find education and career training that is flexible and adaptable to their unique lifestyle. In the past, military personnel and veterans have been able to take advantage of DANTES and the Montgomery G.I. bill for tuition assistance. Now, in conjunction with the DETC (Distance Education and Training Council) Blackstone is proud to support the Military Spouse Career Advancement Initiative sponsored by the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor. Under this initiative, funds are available for training in target industries that represent portable careers, including health care. Blackstone’s Allied Health training programs (Medical Transcription, Medical Billing & Coding, Medical Office Assistant, and Dental Office Assistant) qualify for this program. For further details, click here.

Do you need to learn a new computer program to enhance your career? Are you interested in learning a new language for a trip you are planning? Have you put aside an interest in art, writing or another area because you haven’t had time to develop your skills? Do you want to start your own business but you need more information? It’s easy to expand your horizons and fulfill your goals with Education to Go and Blackstone Career Institute, who have partnered to offer nearly 300 fully interactive courses that can be completed entirely online!

These non-credit adult continuing education courses are moderately priced, convenient, and fast paced. Most courses run for six weeks, with two lessons each week and a two-week grace period built in. Comprehensive instructional materials, assignments, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, quizzes and expert guidance are all included. Course topics are diverse and range from anatomy to web design, including dozens of computer classes.

Landing that first job can be a challenge when you don’t have experience. But there are many techniques you can use to get your foot in the door and make prospective employers take notice. The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI), the professional association for medical transcriptionists, is offering a one-hour online presentation designed to help new transcriptionists find a job. Presented by Diana Gish, CMT, FAAMT, Best Practices Coordinator for AHDI, this Webinar will be offered on March 27 at 10:00 a.m. PT, 11:00 a.m. MT, noon CT, and 1:00 p.m. ET. Preregistration is required and the cost is $15. Click here for details.