Blackstone’s accredited, online Medical Billing and Coding Program offers foundational topics to prepare you for an entry-level position as a medical billing and coding specialist. Our curriculum includes CPT, HCPCS and ICD-10-CM coding with hands-on practice coding real world, redacted medical records using CPT®, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II code sets. This career focused program presents the skills and knowledge along with practical lessons and hands-on experience needed in today’s health information industry.

Representation of real estate clients is a major area of practice for many law firms. Some choose to focus solely on residential or commercial real estate, but many provide services to a mix of clients. You may work for an attorney who represents buyers, sellers, developers, real estate agents, or contractors, dealing with topics such as landlord-tenant issues, mortgages and foreclosures, real estate investment, and zoning and land use, just to name a few.

Blackstone’s Advanced Paralegal Real Estate Law course covers the elements of real property; different methods used in recording and describing deeds; transference of title; rights associated with real estate ownership; elements of real estate contracts; basic landlord/tenant law; deeds, mortgages, and restrictions on land use; title insurance and title examination; the closing process; and tax implications of real estate transactions.

The textbook that accompanies this course; Real Estate and Property Law for Paralegals includes figures, tables and sample forms to provide visual aids for learning; annotated documents that focus on relevant sections of actual legal documents; case excerpts; and highlights of the specific skills students will need as real estate paralegals.

Blackstone’s correspondence Interviewing & Investigating advanced paralegal course for the incarcerated provides an overview of interviewing and investigating skills used by paralegals to gather relevant information to assist the legal team in case preparation. The textbook, Interviewing & Investigating: Essential Skills for the Paralegal presents formal discovery as it relates to civil and criminal litigation. This print-based correspondence course also includes ethical considerations that affect the interviewing and investigating process. Students will learn to identify and find witnesses, use public and private sources of information, and prepare and conduct interviews of clients and witnesses.

Blackstone’s Civil Litigation advanced paralegal course for the incarcerated contains a balanced mix of legal theory and practical legal skills designed to inform and challenge students. It addresses the skills needed to become an effective paralegal from the first contact with the client, through trial and post-judgment. Inmates gain a deeper understanding of the litigation process, including the relevant rules and procedures, and the role a paralegal plays in a litigation trial. The textbook, Fundamentals of Litigation for Paralegals presents thorough coverage of the entire litigation process, including information on e-Discovery and the use of social media in litigation, recent supreme court cases and developments intertwined with the presentation of procedural rules, and realistic examples of motions, pleadings, and discovery requests. Blackstone’s advanced paralegal print-based correspondence course includes the legal terms of litigation, tips on drafting documents commonly used in litigation, and popular alternatives to litigation.

Pharmacy Technicians work closely with pharmacists to ensure the health and safety of their patients. They locate, dispense, pack, and label prescribed medication for patients that is then reviewed for accuracy by a pharmacist before dispensing to the patient. Pharmacy technicians primarily work in pharmacies, including those found in hospitals, grocery, and drug stores. Pharmacy technicians: Collect information needed to fill a prescription from customers or health professionals, Measure amounts of medication for prescriptions, Package and label prescriptions, Organize inventory and alert pharmacists to any shortages of medications or supplies, Accept payment for prescriptions and process insurance claims.

Blackstone’s immigration law advanced paralegal course provides an overview of immigration and nationality law in the United States, with an emphasis on its practical application in a law firm, non-profit legal service agency or corporate environment. Students will learn about employment, family-based visas, along with the law concerning refugee protection, asylum, policies affecting certain vulnerable populations and the citizenship process. Students will learn specialized paralegal skills including client interviewing, communication, form completion and file organization with an emphasis on attention to detail and deadlines. Students will develop research skills and discover resources to obtain up-to-date information in immigration law. Students will analyze the factors involved in shaping or changing immigration policies and laws.

Incarcerated individuals choose to take our advanced paralegal courses for a variety of reasons. They’ve completed Blackstone’s Paralegal certificate program and are looking to gain a deeper level of understanding in a specific area of the law, they want to become more knowledgeable in understanding their own case, or they want to show the parole board they are working for positive change. Blackstone’s print-based correspondence programs other benefits include:

• Lower rate of recidivism
• Higher self-esteem
• A means to transition into society
• Increased employment prospects
• More marketable job skills

Blackstone’s Foundations of Legal Research online certificate course will expand your research capabilities, improve your writing skills, and teach you the ins and outs of computer-assisted legal research using LexisAdvance®. Paralegals are often asked to perform an initial case analysis, research various legal topics, draft legal documents, and use public records and news sources to compile information. Using the LexisAdvance® database, you will gain a solid foundation in the principles and practice of Legal Research and Writing. Blackstone’s accredited online Legal Research using LexisAdvance® is designed to prepare you to assist attorneys as they draft and establish formal documentation for their casework. When you have completed all the self-checks and examinations for this course, you will have a better understanding of to easily access legal research and case study information. This course includes access to live support to help you make the most of the research tools available. Dedicated LexisAdvance® support personnel will provide individual search assistance if you are stalled during your search process.

Blackstone’s Criminal Law advanced paralegal course introduces students to the criminal justice system and its components as well as their multifaceted role as a paralegal. The accompanying textbook, Fundamentals of Criminal Practice: Law and Procedure presents the principles of criminal law and the paralegal’s role in criminal proceedings. This correspondence course explores the basic principles of criminal law, the types of offenses, and criminal procedure from the commission of the offense to trials and their aftermath. The prosecutor’s role in initiating cases and the role of the defense attorney in defending the accused are discussed. Along with the importance of pre-trial motions and plea bargaining, this course also covers homicide, assault and battery, arson, burglary, embezzlement and extortion.

Blackstone’s Criminal Law advanced paralegal course introduces students to the criminal justice system and its components as well as their multifaceted role as a paralegal. The accompanying textbook, Fundamentals of Criminal Practice: Law and Procedure presents the principles of criminal law and the paralegal’s role in criminal proceedings. This correspondence course explores the basic principles of criminal law, the types of offenses, and criminal procedure from the commission of the offense to trials and their aftermath.

Looking to expand your skills set, increase job opportunities and get ahead in today’s workplace? Blackstone’s online certificate programs provide the knowledge and skills needed to take on new challenges. Our online courses make learning convenient for your schedule by offering you the flexibility to get started at any time and learn at your own pace. Whatever your personal or professional advancement goals are, Blackstone’s top priority is to help you grow, develop and continue learning.

Blackstone’s Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed for an entry-level career in a variety of legal work environments. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of several areas of law, the differences in civil actions and criminal procedures, the most efficient way to conduct legal research, the duties and ethics of a legal assistant/paralegal, and tips on how to begin your career. To enhance your knowledge and skills, prep materials for the CP® exam are included. Plus, once you complete your coursework, Blackstone covers the registration cost to sit for the Certified Paralegal (CP®) exam given by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Certification may help you meet employer requirements, access better career opportunities, and increase earning potential.

Do you enjoy being precise, accurate, and a stickler for detail? If so, our Medical Transcription training career program may be ideal for you! Learn transcription using the same tools as professionals, and with the guidance of online lessons, transform your natural attention to detail into a rewarding career helping people.

Career transcriptionists may work independently and set their own hours or in medical offices during typical business hours. Training for a practical job skill that employers’ need makes it more likely you can launch your career in your ideal work environment. Fast track your way to a job you are ideally suited for when you complete the program in as few as four months. Earn your diploma and you will be prepped for certification—another desirable quality to employers.