Paralegal programs are offered through on-the-job training and in two-year community and junior college programs that offer associate's degrees. Four-year colleges and universities offer paralegal undergraduate degrees and studies. Paralegal programs can also be taken at trade schools. Program admissions vary depending on the type of school and programs. The American Bar Association has a list of paralegal programs that the organization has approved for reference purposes only, listed on the ABA website.
Curriculum for paralegals typically includes courses in civil litigation, real property, legal research and writing, business organizations, and legal technology. Students are taught legal ethics as well as on-the-job practical information that will help them assist attorneys in trial preparation, drafting court pleadings and preparing real estate, business and corporate documents and perform research. Degree programs also require classes in reading, math and English. Paralegals cannot give legal advice or represent clients under any circumstances, and they must work under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney.
Medical assistants are trained to work with physicians and other health care workers in doctor's offices. They handle administrative tasks such as making appointments for patients, keeping and maintaining patient's medical records, billing and clinical duties, collecting laboratory samples and collecting patient information. Two-year community colleges typically offer associate degrees in medical assisting and four-year colleges and universities typically offer bachelor of science degrees in health care management.
A typical curriculum includes classes in anatomy, physiology and medical terminology, plus training in clerical duties such as typing and transcription, bookkeeping, record keeping and insurance billing. Students learn about surgical instruments, emergency care, EKG and lab testing. General educational requirements include math, health, English and biology. Volunteer work in the health industry is also recognized. Students may also pursue post-graduate master's degrees.
Teacher paraprofessionals assist teachers in classroom and vocational schools. Duties include setting up and cleaning up various classroom art and other projects, tutoring students or helping teachers with lesson planning and assisting students with disabilities. Programs are offered by community colleges and junior colleges. An associate's degree in teacher education requires at least two years of education and a total of approximately 74 credit hours. Programs vary by state and school.
A typical curriculum consists of courses in educational technology, English composition, math, arts and humanities, sociology, child and adolescent development, principles of learning and teaching and emerging literacy and language classes. Having a teaching certificate and bachelor's degree is recommended, but not required.
Dental assistants work in dental offices assisting dentists and oral surgeons. Tasks include clerical duties such as bookkeeping, answering phones, making appointments, cleaning instruments and maintaining dental charts. Programs include on the job training, community college associate degree programs and three and six month vocational school programs. Some states require dental assistants to be licensed and complete a written state exam, as well.The designation Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), which is approved in 37 states.
Dental assistant programs typically include classes in orientation and procedures, anatomy and physiology, dental charts, pharmacology, infection control, x-ray procedures and office management. Classes are conduced by a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions and clinical experience. Some programs require 100 hours of internship in a dental office. Continuing educational classes may be required to obtain state re-certifications.