Paralegal Studies Program

Have you thought about continuing your professional education? Employers today highly value those employees that take initiative to further their knowledge in their field and keep current with new standards and practices. 

The College Network® offers professional certificates from Purdue University, Boston University and Corporate Education Group.  We can help you obtain your Lean Six Sigma certification, a certificate of  project management or your paralegal certificate.

Lean Six Sigma certification can help to improve the efficiencies at your company. Working with a master black belt instructor from Purdue University will enable you to grasp the methodologies behind this business model. You will work with other professionals around the country who are also seeking their certification.  Start out with your Lean Six Sigma green belt certification and then move to a black belt--your employer will thank you for the significant contribution you are able to make towards increasing their productivity.

If you are an experienced project manager but don't have your certification, there isn't a better time than now to become certified.  Our PMP® preparation courses cover all aspects of project management and will help to prepare you for the Project Management Professional® exam.   It will also help add to your marketability if you are searching for a new opportunity.

And if you are a legal secretary who would like to advance your career, you can earn your paralegal certificate from Boston University.  This hands on, 14-week program will provide you with access to the Westlaw legal research database throughout your paralegal studies program. You will also learn from practicing attorneys, who bring their experience and in-depth knowledge to every course.

More and more professionals are seeking certifications in order to become an expert in their field. Call one of our Program Advisors today at 800-395-1014 to learn more our certificate programs. 

As a Program Advisor I get to speak with many people on a daily basis who are interested in finding out how they can accomplish their goals.

Goals, of course, vary from person to person. Some are interested in becoming more specialized in their current career such as an LPN who wants to be able to teach nursing by getting an MSN. Other times, it could be someone who has always wanted to get into the legal field and would like to learn how a certificate in Paralegal Studies could help them transition from one industry to the next.

No matter what your goals, you'll always hear two simple phrases from me: "Why are you interested in this particular field?" and "What are your goals for when you receive this education?"

To me, these are two of the most important things a person can know. Sure, everyone wants to make more money--but money can't be the only reason you want to do something.

When I ask these questions, I do it to find out what you are really passionate about. Do you want to teach nursing education because you had a great teacher and wanted to be able to give back in the same way? Are you getting into the legal field because you had a great experience in the past with a lawyer who helped you to solve a problem?

At The College Network, we really do care about our customers. We want to know how we can best help you to achieve your goals. In order for us to do this, we need to know a little bit about you. If you are just going for the money, you're probably not going to have near the drive that is needed to push yourself through a program as someone who is more passionate about their new opportunities.

So if you haven't already, take a moment to ask yourself two questions: "Why am I really doing this?" and "What are my career goals?" If you can answer these questions with answers that you are proud of, nothing can stop you.

Be passionate about what you want and you will soon find that your goals will arrive much faster. 

If you are a shy person, you may cringe at the thought of having to speak in front of crowds or networking for job opportunities. Fortunately, we've come across a list of the top careers shy people should consider pursuing on Yahoo! Education and the education for two of them can be completed entirely through distance learning with the help of The College Network.

#1 - Paralegal Studies

The College Network works with Boston University to provide an 14-week Paralegal Studies Certificate. With this certificate program, you will learn from practicing attorneys and complete courses in litigation, research, legal writing, corporate law, probate, real estate, and legal technology. Find out more about how this certificate can prepare you for a career as a paralegal. 

#2 - Health Information Technology

The College Network has partnered with Regis University to offer a bachelor's degree in Health Information Management. A degree in Health Information Management will prepare you for the demands of a growing healthcare field. It will prepare you to work with applications systems and manage electronic health information databases. Upon completing the Health Information Management program, you will be eligible to sit for the national Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential exam. Find out more about this degree program and how it can help you become a health information technology professional. 

If you've been considering a career change but worry about finding an area that fits your shy personality, look no further. To read about other top careers for introverted people read the full article. 

I need inspiration. I find myself pondering over and over--"what should I write my blog about?" So, my inspiration for my blog is just that--finding inspiration.  

Oftentimes adults who are pursuing their online degrees, need some inspiration to study and move forward in their programs.  Inspiration is a hard thing.  It tends to sometimes be fleeting. But, when it is with you, you find that you have an energy and focus that is hard to deny.

So, let's talk about some ways you can find inspiration.  For me, I look at blogs that I have written, articles on the internet and think about the experiences of the past week.  Maybe I can help you find some inspiration by connecting you with others who have also completed online degree programs or certificates.  

First of all, meet Reme Prusynski, who was in the business world for 30 years before she decided to go back to school to become the nurse she had always wanted to be but had never thought she could.  Or Jean Brennan, who decided to become a registered nurse because of 9/11. Karen Renick had been laid off, and it was then she decided start a paralegal studies program in hopes of securing a new position.  She went on to start her own paralegal business.  

Feeling inspired yet? If not, and you need more--just check out other success stories to find someone who is like you.  And when you're ready, call The College Network at 800-395-1014 and we'll help turn your inspiration into a reality.  

The weather is starting to get warmer, and trees and flowers are starting to bloom.  The winter season has come to an end, and spring time is here for 2012.  When spring is in the air, I think of March Madness, Spring Break, rain, and flowers blooming.  What comes to your mind when you hear "Spring?"

Something else I think of is getting outside and being active.  Once the weather starts to warm, increasing your activities seems to come hand-in-hand.  Physical activities, being outdoors and exercise are great, but what about your mind - learning, knowledge and your education?  Spring is a great time to also start working on furthering your education.  With the rebirth of the plants, you can reawaken your thirst for knowledge in going for one of The College Network's online distance nursing programs or online certificate programs in Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, or Paralegal studies.

"Spring" into action this season - we can help, just give us a call!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

This post is the first in what will be an occasional, ongoing series entitled TCN Perspectives that will show our readers a few of the names, faces and stories that comprise The College Network.  After all, our people are our best asset and what truly gives our company its strength, and TCN Perspectives will showcase the people who comprise The College Network and give them a chance to tell us a bit about who they are and what they do.  First up is Burt Rosenthal, from the in house Program Advisor team.

"I was in the radio business in Detroit prior to my family moving to Indiana. I grew up in the Detroit area and became a 'Motor City' guy very quickly. I’m still a huge fan of the Red Wings and the Tigers and follow them religiously. I graduated from Wayne State University with an education/teaching degree and got into the radio business shortly afterward.

I was married in 1981 and celebrated 30 years with my wife, Ann, on the 23rd of August. We have two grown sons, Eric and Mike, 27 and 25, who are both working and very productive people in the business world. We have a wonderful 6-year-old granddaughter named McKenna who is a pure delight in our lives.

I started in Seminar Sales and for 3 and half years, traveled all over the country conducting seminars for nursing students. It was an interesting job, helping a wealth of people. This company offers a lot of educational options, including Certificates in Paralegal Studies, Project Management, Lean Six Sigma Certificate programs with Purdue University and Nursing programs from associates degrees up to master’s programs online all over the country.  These programs are designed to allow working adults the opportunity to further their education while still working full time and caring for their families. These programs are fully accredited and available almost everywhere in the country with 24 hour, 7 day a week access. The convenience factor is essential in making this a wonderful way to enhance a person’s career and choices in life, along with job security and personal satisfaction.

I enjoy helping people, and I truly enjoy the opportunity to be involved with one of the finest quality companies I’ve had the pleasure to work for in my lifetime. The people here are also a wonderful reason I come to work each day. I enjoy interacting with everyone here and truly enjoy being a part of The College Network.

I recall a seminar I conducted, I believe somewhere in Pennsylvania, where an older LPN came up to me after she had enrolled and asked if she could hug me. I said okay, but why, and she said she was not sure what direction she was going in and she received a postcard, reminding her that this seminar was tonight. She said it was like a message from above, and that she was directed to do this with our company.  As you might imagine, it was a very touching moment, and I told her how much I appreciated her and congratulated her once again for moving forward with her education. 

As a member of the house team, I pride myself on being a professional consultant for The College Network, and I believe I’m once again blessed to work with the best group of professional sales consultants I’ve ever been associated with in my extensive career.

In closing, we’re happy to be in Indy, it’s a great place to raise a family and earn a living. The people are very gracious and I’ve been fortunate enough to forge a few good friendships and had a pretty happy life. I love the Colts and I’m looking forward to a championship season this year, culminating with the Colts winning the Superbowl in their hometown!!!"

When asked what she liked most about the Paralegal Certificate program from Boston University, Carole’s response was “The ease of accessibility and the instructors and advisors were so accommodating.”

Carole says the program was challenging, but she embraced the opportunity because it was very fulfilling to be an adult learner. “I devoted time to study at the same time each night and did my class work and system searches after work and during my lunch breaks,” she said. “I loved the challenge of these courses and am happy that I succeeded with this goal.”

Read more of Carole's story or call 1-800-395-1014 today.

Buzzer beaters, upsets, and Hoosier Hysteria.  In Indiana, we take March very seriously with the state high school and NCAA college basketball tournaments.  As much fun as doing your office pools (legal ones, of course) and filling out your brackets are, March Madness can teach us how being in the field of 68 (not a typo - there are now 68 teams in the NCAA tournament) is similar to getting your education at The College Network.

March Madness would be nothing without the teams in the tournament.  To be invited into the tournament, one must have their name called on Selection Sunday.  When being selected, its all about the resume.  Teams are judged on who they played, who they beat, where they beat them, and when they beat them.  The same can be said in your own life, with your own resume.  How do you think your resume would look with a certificate in Lean Six Sigma from Purdue University (not a bad basketball school either)?  Would a potential or current employer like what they see with a Paralegal Studies Certificate from Boston University?  How much better are your chances to advance your career and in the 'tournament' with your Associates or Bachelors of Science in Nursing rather than an LPN/LVN certification? 

If you want to make the tournament, you have to have the resume.  Will you be confident on Selection Sunday, or are you on the bubble?  If you are on the bubble, The College Network can help!

If you have any questions about any program at The College Network, please contact me, Kevin Burton, via email at kburton@collegenetwork.com or phone at 317-569-4734.

In my job as a Program Advisor for The College Network, I speak with literally hundreds of people a month who are interested in enhancing their education.  Although the majority of the people that I speak with are Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) interested in getting a nursing degree in route to their RN license, I regularly speak with people looking for educational options in Project Management, Paralegal Studies, and many other fields. 

On first glance, there aren't many obvious similarities between all the people that I speak with.  They live in different states, they come from different backgrounds, and have completely different career goals and aspirations.... But, underneath the surface, a common bond is found... each one knows that enhancing their education is the surest way to:

a higher salary,
greater job security,
and an incredible sense of accomplisment.

 What's sometimes surprising to me is that even though people are fully aware of how incredibly beneficial education is, some seem to find "every excuse in the book" not to move forward.  However, despite whatever obstacle is facing them, be it unemployment, raising a family on a single income, working multiple jobs, ect.., some people just absolutely refuse to let anything stand in their way. 

In fact, you can read for yourself about the challenging circumstances that some of our students were able to overcome in route to achieving their educational goals:

Tracy -  a single mother of three who earned her RN licnese

Mahaley -  who earned her nursing degree while caring for her seriously-ill husband

Marsha -  who after 20+ years finally stopped "making excuses"