Blackstone Career Institute:
* Focus: Primarily offers vocational training programs in fields like healthcare (medical billing and coding, etc.), business, and technology. They're known for shorter programs and quicker paths to employment (though the quality and job placement success rates vary by program).
* Accreditation: Blackstone's accreditation status varies depending on the specific program and location. It's crucial to check their accreditation with your state's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting agency before enrolling. Accreditation is crucial for loan eligibility and potential employer recognition.
* CLA Certification: It's *unlikely* that Blackstone directly provides CLA (Certified Legal Assistant) certification. CLA certification typically requires a combination of education (often an associate's degree) and experience. While Blackstone might offer programs with relevant coursework, you would likely need additional education or independent study to meet the requirements for CLA certification.
University of Southern California (USC):
* Focus: A comprehensive research university offering a vast array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. It's a highly competitive institution with a strong reputation.
* Accreditation: Fully accredited by regional accrediting agencies, ensuring high academic standards.
* CLA Certification: USC likely doesn't offer a direct "CLA certification" program. However, USC's law school or other relevant departments might offer courses and programs that could help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue CLA certification. You might need to pursue a paralegal studies certificate or degree independently or through a combined program.
Getting CLA Certified:
To become a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), you generally need to meet specific requirements set by the certifying body (e.g., the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)). These often involve:
* Education: An associate's degree or equivalent coursework in paralegal studies or a related field.
* Experience: A certain amount of supervised experience working as a legal assistant or paralegal.
* Examination: Passing a certification exam.
In short: Neither Blackstone nor USC directly grants CLA certification. However, a paralegal program at a reputable institution (potentially a community college or a university with a strong paralegal studies program) would provide a better foundation for achieving CLA certification than a vocational program at Blackstone. You would still likely need to pursue the certification separately after completing your education and gaining the required experience. Always check the specific requirements of the certifying body you're interested in.