Course Descriptions: Nurse Paralegal Studies

INTRODUCTION TO NURSE PARALEGALISM - 10 weeks
This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of a nurse paralegal career including an introduction to legal theory and a review of nurse paralegal practice areas. The roles and responsibilities of a nurse paralegal, including topics of medical chart, report and record review, investigation, analysis, research, discovery and expert witness review will be carefully examined. The course will also examine the role of the nurse paralegal in trial preparation, mediation and settlement. Business principles will be studied including the method of starting an independent legal nurse consulting practice.

TORTS - 5 weeks
This course provides an introduction to the law of torts, including an analysis of the basic elements of tort and personal injury law, including concepts of liability, legal analysis, negligence, special topics, defenses to negligence, damages and remedies.

LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING - 10 weeks
This course provides an introduction to the basic principle of legal research and writing, including the skills needed to perform basis interpretation and analysis of legal authority found in case and statutory law as applied to factual situations. The course also covers an introduction to library and online sources, legal analysis, preparation of legal memos, proper citation methods and computer assisted legal research principles and methods.

LITIGATION - 10 weeks
This course provides an introduction to basic litigation principles and methods, including an examination of litigation principles, federal and state rules of procedure, jurisdiction, venue, initiation and conduct of a lawsuit, document preparation, motions, evidence and trial and appellate preparation, as well as an introduction to litigation support technology.

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW - 5 weeks
This course provides an introduction to administrative law and procedure, including an analysis of administrative law and procedure, administrative agencies, due process, delegation, rule making, investigation, adjudication and judicial review. The course also examines the Administrative Procedures Act and ethical principles of administrative law.

INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY IN THE LAW - 5 weeks
This course provides an introduction to technology and computer functions in the contemporary law office, including an understanding of the use of legal specific software programs and the impact of court rules and procedures concerning electronic filings and discovery procedures. Students explore and understand issues of legal ethics and professional liability related to technology as well as concepts of computer network security and the interface of paralegals and other technology users. Students will understand computer use in researching factual and legal issues and also in locating and using specific software programs.