One of the most common questions prospective students ask when they contact Blackstone Career Institute (BCI) is “Are you accredited?” If you are seeking to advance your education, this is an important question to ask when choosing a school. Accreditation means that an institution meets certain standards and provides an assurance that its programs of study have been approved, its instructors are qualified, facilities and equipment are adequate, recruitment and admissions policies are fair, and that the financial operations are sound.

Blackstone Career Institute has been accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) since 2005. The DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The process of attaining accreditation from the DETC is rigorous and requires many hours of preparation. After submitting an application to the DETC, the school seeking accreditation must prepare a Self-Evaluation Report (SER) that analyzes everything from its history and objectives to its staffing, learning outcomes assessment, and financial practices. Coursework is submitted to the DETC for review by subject matter experts. An examining committee from the DETC then makes a site visit to review the records and facilities in order to verify the information submitted in the SER report. The final decision on accreditation is made by the nine-member Accrediting Commission, which determines if the institution meets all standards. Once a school is accredited, it must continue to meet standards, submit annual reports and be re-examined every five years.

In addition to being nationally accredited by the DETC, Blackstone is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools and is a private licensed school regulated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools. For more information on the DETC, visit the DETC website. Our friendly staff is also always happy to speak with you about our programs and policies: 1-800-826-9228.  

Today’s legal world depends on computers for research and sharing information. Nationwide searches can be completed in seconds using computerized databases. Blackstone paralegal students explore legal research and writing through two study units using the book “Finding, Reading and Using the Law,” by Anne Stevens. Various search techniques are covered and students learn about the various online systems that are available.

Many Blackstone students take their education one-step further by signing up for a Blackstone LexisNexis student membership. By enrolling, they can familiarize themselves with the array of resources available and gain real-world experience that will be invaluable when they are seeking a job. The LexisNexis online research system provides access to state and federal case law; codes and statutes; court documents; over 3.5 billion public records (the most available anywhere online); business, legal, and regional news; expert commentary on the law; Shepard's® Citations Service; and much more.

Students receive a step-by-step LexisNexis learning guide as well as access to a 24-hour helpline. They pay only $85 for a year-long student membership. Many students enroll in LexisNexis just before graduating, so that they have the knowledge-base to use it and time to spend working with it once they have concluded their studies. But only currently-enrolled students are eligible for the special student rate, so don’t hesitate to sign up if you are near the end of your course!

Students can enroll by phone or mail. Call us at 1-800-826-9228 for a free brochure or to enroll with a credit card over the phone. 

In the March issue of Blackstone’s e-newsletter, we announced the Military Spouse Career Advancement Initiative sponsored in conjunction with the DETC, Department of Defense and 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 the initiative.

Distance education is a great choice for those actively serving in the military, as well as for their spouses. The DETC has recently unveiled a new website devoted to training opportunities from accredited schools, including Blackstone, for those serving in the military. The site points out several advantages that distance learning has over traditional, site-based education:

1. Distance education courses are usually available 24/7, allowing students anywhere in the U.S. or world to participate without having to set foot on a campus.
2. Distance education programs are affordable, with tuition much lower than charged by traditional site-based institutions. In many cases distance education costs may be covered through various military benefit programs.
3. Distance education programs are also a great choice for students with restricted mobility, disabilities, geographic limitations, and family responsibilities.

If you or someone you know is serving in the military and is interested in career training opportunities in the paralegal and allied health fields, Blackstone can help! You can use the various links to the right to learn more or contact us at info@blackstone.edu.

You have your diploma in hand from Blackstone and have secured that all-important first job interview. How can you make it a successful experience? Preparation is the key. Here are a number of things you should do before you set foot in the door:

• Research the company you are interviewing with: this is easier than ever with the Internet at your fingertips. If you know something about what the company does, you’ve demonstrated your interest and initiative.
• Conduct a salary search. Learn what other people in the field are earning (you can use the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook) or a salary survey on the Internet.
• Practice a brief response to the question “tell me about yourself.” Include information about your education, experience and relevant skills.
• Make a list of several accomplishments from past jobs, volunteer experiences, or school activities. Practice explaining how you achieved positive results. When a prospective employer asks a question that requires an example of your achievements, you will have several to choose from.
• Practice answering the most commonly asked interview questions (such as those provided in Volume XIII of the Blackstone Paralegal Program or find a list on the Internet) and focus on those you find the most difficult to answer.
• Make sure you have accurate directions to the interview site. Leave yourself plenty of time in case you encounter traffic or other problems. You should aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Bring a file with extra resumes, licenses, samples of your work, etc. Make sure you have all the information you will need to fill out a job application.
• Write a list of questions you would like to ask the interviewer. Ask questions about the company and job responsibilities as opposed to salary and benefits.
• During the interview your confidence will show if you are prepared. Be enthusiastic, use good eye contact and be an active listener. Turn off your cell phone and don’t chew gum. Collect your thoughts before speaking to avoid “uhms, like and you know.” Find a way to put a positive spin on negative questions. Avoid discussing salary, but if you are asked, provide a range based on your research.
• At the end of the interview express your interest in the job and inquire about what steps will follow. Ask for the interviewer’s business card and for permission to follow up with additional questions.
• After the interview, write a thank you note within 24 hours (e-mail, a typed letter or a handwritten note are all permissible). This is a step that many job candidates don’t do, so you will stand out if you send a note. Use this opportunity to reiterate your selling points.