(GARDNER)–Mount Wachusett Community College is now offering a new associate’s degree in paralegal studies. The program, which has been approved by the Board of Higher Education, was designed to meet current workplace demands. "We’ve been offering a paralegal certificate program since 1998," said Mount Wachusett Community College President Daniel M. Asquino. "But we heard from students and the legal community that there is great demand for a two-year associates degree program as well–and we responded to that need." An open house to showcase the new program will be held, Wed., May 15, at 6:00 pm in Room 127.

The need for paralegals in the region is growing. Employment projections for 1996-2006 prepared by the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training project a 70.8% growth rate in Paralegal jobs within the Commonwealth. The number of total job openings through 2006 is 2,620, at the average hourly wage of $18.74.

The college‘s paralegal certificate program’s emphasis on teaching students practical skills and substantive legal knowledge, combined with a 120 hour internship experience, have provided graduates with employment in both the public and private sector. Students will now have the opportunity of obtaining a Paralegal Certificate, a Paralegal Degree, or, for those holding an associate degree in a health profession, an Allied Health Paralegal Certificate (an Advanced Study Certificate). The new two-year degree builds upon the existing certificate program, and gives students the opportunity to acquire additional legal knowledge in a variety of areas and to further develop research and communication skills. All three programs introduce a student to the practical skills a legal assistant utilizes and to the basic principles of substantive and procedural law.

The Allied Health Paralegal Certificate is, however, more specialized than the Paralegal Certificate and Degree. It is specifically designed for allied health professionals who wish to combine legal knowledge with their area of expertise in a health profession and who plan to seek employment in health care organizations, insurance companies, and private and public law firms specializing in health issues.

Students who complete the Mount Wachusett Community College paralegal program will have acquired the skills necessary to successfully obtain employment as a legal assistant. Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in the following job skills: knowledge of substantive and procedural legal principles, the ability to perform legal analysis, research, and writing, effective communication skills, use of computer technology as it applies to law, administrative and employment skills, ability to perform pre-trial tasks including interviewing, client intake, and basic investigation, and the capability to draft basic legal documents such as wills, mortgages, and leases. Classes are available in the day and evening, at both the Gardner and Leominster campus locations.

General inquiries and application requests should be directed to the Admissions Office at (978) 632-6600 ext.110. Specific inquiries may be directed to the Program Director, Attorney Jacqueline Belrose, at (978) 840-3221.