10 October Upcoming ICC Paralegal Technology celebration coincides with national commemoration October 10, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. Career Center, General 0 Itawamba Community College’s Paralegal Technology program has scheduled a special celebration, Oct. 23 to coincide with the commemoration of a national event. Its 2024 National Paralegal Day Celebration from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Academic and Student Center lobby on the Tupelo Campus will enable participants to mix and mingle with area industry members, especially those in the profession and attorneys, as well as to learn more about ICC’s Paralegal Technology program and the paralegal profession, according to director Haley Carpenter. She has a variety of student stories to share regarding the importance of ICC’s Paralegal Technology program. “One student said that she and her mother experienced a hard time after her father died intestate (without a will). They worked with the probate court to settle his estate, and the process was confusing. She wanted to become a part of a legal team to ensure her clients that they would have an advocate in their corner.” Another student, who was the child of a bitter divorce and custody battle, wants to be a voice for the children and help ensure that they are cared for and being considered during similar situations. “I have heard other paralegals mention their reasons for wanting to get into the field,” Carpenter said. “One had a family member who was murdered, which inspired her to be a part of the justice system to help victims find closure and peace. Another had a mentally-challenged family member who fell into the justice system so she wanted to be a voice for those defendants who needed to be rehabilitated instead of thrown into the system without assistance. Whatever their reasons, we at ICC want to provide the BEST option for their future, including our Paralegal Technology program. Paralegal Technology is a two-year, fully online associate’s degree program designed to prepare individuals to perform specifically-delegated legal work that is supervised by an attorney. The program provides training in a number of areas including civil litigation, legal research and writing, family law, wills and other legal areas. After completion of the online program, individuals earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, Carpenter said. Successful completion of the first 30 hours of the program curriculum entitles the receipt of a Career Certificate. After graduation, students have the option to transfer their associate’s degree and continue working toward their bachelor’s degree online at multiple four-year colleges, including but not limited to, Delta State University, Mississippi State University, Mississippi University for Women, University of Mississippi, University of North Alabama and the University of Southern Mississippi. Additionally during the celebration and commemoration event, participants will learn about the Mississippi Paralegal Association and National Association of Legal Assistants certification, enjoy refreshments and receive ‘awesome’ swag bags, Carpenter said. The public is invited. For more information, contact Carpenter at hbcarpenter@iccms.edu or call (662) 620-5342. Related Articles ICC's Public Health Technology program to join in national celebration with local events Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating the week of April 1 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Community health workers are the backbone of public health, bridging the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of well-being and equity,” said Caroline Newkirk, ICC adjunct instructor and Evaluation Specialist with the Mississippi Public Health Institute. “ICC’s Public Health Technology program fills a critical gap in Mississippi by offering a curriculum that prepares its students exceptionally well with the knowledge and skills to be invaluable community health workers. In a state that is medically underserved, ... ICC's Public Health Technology program joins in Apr. 7-13 national celebration Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating April 7-13 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “It Starts Here.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s nationally-recognized Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Public health starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and communities,” Alexander said in summarizing the information provided by the American Public Health Association. “It’s how the places we live, work and play affect our well-being. It’s the way we are all stronger – and healthier – together through the efforts of organizations like the APHA and others that advocate for healthy communities.” Alexander, who serves on the Mississippi State Department of Health Community Health Worker Taskforce, is excited about recent legislation that will help advance the educational and career opportunities for ... ICC's Paralegal Technology program is in the nation's top 10 Itawamba Community College’s Paralegal Technology program has been selected as one of the top 10 online Paralegal degree programs in the nation by BestColleges. ICC offers two degrees in paralegal studies: an online Associate of Applied Science degree in paralegal technology and an Associate of Arts degree in general studies with a paralegal studies emphasis. The two-year A.A.S. degree in paralegal technology includes coursework in legal research, civil litigation and legal writing. Coursework in wills and estates, family law, torts and real property introduces students to subsets of the legal field while providing information about legal principles and procedures, according to program director Jamie Hall. Students gain the analytical, communication, research and technical skills needed to work alongside legal professionals. The program also includes an internship during which students apply learned concepts. ICC’s online paralegal technology program prepares students for entry-level positions as paralegals and legal assistants in law firms, government agencies and businesses. Students can complete the 61-62 hour credit program in two years. “ICC’s general studies associate degree with an emphasis ... ICC's Paralegal Technology program ranks second in the nation Itawamba Community College’s Paralegal Technology program has been ranked second in the nation by College Values Online. ICC has been identified as having one of the top most affordable accredited online paralegal certificate programs, according to ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “The elite ranking is a testament to the innovative programs that ICC offers as we ensure that our students have the best start in their careers.” The ranking considered tuition and return on investment. College Values Online’s mission is to provide assistance in selecting the best college for each individual situation by offering rankings of schools and various degree programs in addition to information on numerous career options from a value perspective. Its list of the top 20 affordable online accredited paralegal certificates began with certificate programs with costs under $13,000 (based on tuition reported to College Navigator). The programs were then ranked according to the quality of the program based on graduation rate and student-to-teacher ratio. ICC offers two degrees in paralegal studies: an online Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal ... ICC Respiratory Care Technology program earns national recognition Itawamba Community College’s Respiratory Care Technology program has been recognized for the second consecutive year by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care with the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award, a national honor that highlights programs demonstrating exceptional student achievement and outcomes. The award is part of CoARC’s ongoing effort to emphasize the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential as a benchmark of professional excellence. From an accreditation and outcomes perspective, the organization views RRT credential attainment as a key indicator of a program’s ability to prepare graduates for success and encourage them to reach their highest professional aspirations. Programs selected for this recognition must meet rigorous, objective criteria based on data reported in the 2025 Annual Report of Current Status. To qualify, programs must have at least three years of outcomes data, maintain full accreditation without the need for a progress report, achieve an RRT credentialing success rate of 90% or higher and meet or exceed established benchmarks for high cut scores on the Therapist Multiple-Choice exam and student retention. “This recognition speaks to the consistency, quality and commitment of our faculty and ... Respiratory Care Technology program joins schools from across the nation in Oct. 22-28 celebration Itawamba Community College’s Respiratory Care Technology program is joining schools from across the nation in honoring and recognizing the invaluable contributions of respiratory therapists to patient care during a week designated in their honor. “Respiratory Care week is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the essential work and dedication of respiratory care professionals as well as to promote awareness for lung health,” said Adam Denton, program director. Additionally, it provides a platform for sharing the multifaceted impact of respiratory therapists from collaborating with executive leaders to serving as advocates for patients and engaging with local communities. ICC’s Respiratory Care is a two-year (five-semester) program. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be eligible to take the national credentialing exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care practitioner). “Respiratory Therapists apply scientific principles to prevent, identify and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system,” Denton said. “Their knowledge of the scientific principles underlying cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology, as well as biomedical engineering and technology, enables them to effectively ... Comments are closed.