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Paralegal Program.  David Manzer, J.D. (Professor), William Dixon, J.D., (Legal Programs Director), Sonja Nunez (graduate), Monique Philips-Loyd (Professor), and Charlene Shea (graduate) are pictured here at the recent South Coast College in Orange graduation.

Paralegal Program.  Monique Philips-Loyd is an instructor in the Paralegal Program at South Coast College.  Ms. Philips-Loyd is a popular instructor known for her enthusiasm.  Ms. Loyd recently attended the graduation ceremony at South Coast College in Orange.

Edward Reaser, MLS, Librarian/Bookstore Manager at South Coast College in Orange, earned his Masters degree in Library Science from the University of Southern California. 

What interest you in pursuing employment at South Coast College?

I was interested in a librarian position at a small college, after having worked for many years in various types of large libraries.  In a small library setting, you get a chance to know students, faculty, and staff.

What surprised you most about South Coast College?

Actually, several things surprised me.  The dedication and motivation of the students was the thing that most surprised me.  It is rare to find students filling the learning resource centers when they are not required to be at school.  Even on student holidays when the college is open, many students are on campus working.

The other things that most surprised me was the scope of the library and learning resource centers for the size of the school. 

1.  Each program has a dedicated learning center, in addition to the extensive on-campus library. 

2.  The large number of computer terminals for access to on-line resources located throughout the campus.

3.  The depth of the library legal collection, and the fact that it is shared with Pacific West College of law.

4.   The accessibility of the campus resources to students from early morning to late at night.

In regard to the bookstore at South Coast College in Orange, I was surprised at the extent of the bookstore inventory and the convenience that it provides to students.  Not many schools the size of South Coast College has a bookstore on campus that has the hours available for student convenience that this one has.  The bookstore is accessible to students from 8-2 p.m. daily and 5-8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday with added hours at the beginning of each quarter.

Speaking of the bookstore at South Coast College, why did you assume the responsibilities of Bookstore Manager along with your responsibilities of Librarian?

The two are closely related.  The library and bookstore are in close proximity.  I felt that by working in conjunction with the bookstore staff and making myself available in the bookstore at times, I could be more responsive to the needs of both faculty and students.  Working in the bookstore, I really learn what the needs of the faculty and students are. 

The bookstore now provides not only the books and supplies needed for the courses but an array of supplementary materials.

Of what accomplishments at South Coast College are you most proud?

In addition to the task of weeding out from the library collection books to provide room for updated materials and better student access which is an on-going task in any library, I think that I am most proud of our new program of making library tips available to students via the South Coast College website.  

I would also have to say that I am proud that our instructors encourage students to use the library by actually bringing classes into the library for a day, showing the students how to do research, and in taking them off campus to the Orange County Law Library.

What advantages do you believe a student has by attending South Coast College with regard to library services?

1.  The fact that there is a library on site that has on-line access.

2.  The close proximity of South Coast College to major medical and legal libraries.  The Orange County Public Law Library, the new Orange Public Library, and the UCI Medical Libary are within a few miles or a few blocks of the college.

3.  The extensive law collection because there is a shared use with a law school.

William Dixon, B.A., J.D. Director of Legal Programs at South Coast College in Orange obtained his B.A. degree in Political Science and J.D. degree from Western State University, College of Law, Fullerton, CA.  He held many positions at Western State University over a 20-year period.  In addition to bein a professor, he held the titles of Associate Dean of Academics; Assistant Dean of Academics; Assistant Dean of Students; Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs/Assistant Dean of Academic Administration, Part-time Division at Western State University.  Dr. Dixon is also an adjunct faculty member at Pacific West College of Law in Orange, CA. 

What interested you in pursuing employment at South Coast College?

When I came to South Coast College, I was looking for a challenge.  I knew I enjoyed training people for employment in the legal field, but I wanted something new.  I enjoyed my experience at Western State University College of Law where I trained law students for 20 years, and I decided that I would like the opportunity to utilize my expertise in developing a program that truly would prepare students for the paralegal and legal administrative assistant areas.  South Coast College was looking for a legal program director who would transform the existing program into a vibrant, dynamic program, and I wanted the challenge. 

 I knew that South Coast College had been around for close to 50 years and that it had an established reputation for excellence.  When I interviewed, I immediately knew that it was where I wanted to be.

What surprised you most about South Coast College in Orange?

I think what most both surprised me and impressed me was the caring, helpful environment that I encountered right away.  Everyone who works at South Coast College really wants to see students succeed.  It is apparent from the moment you step on campus.  Everyone who works at South Coast College — from the front office receptionist to the maintenance employees– knows that the goal of the college is to produce successful graduates.  It is the focus of everyone who holds any position on campus.

The other thing that surprised me was the high caliber of the students.  I was soon to learn that there was little difference between the law students whom I had taught at Western State University and the South Coast College paralegal and legal administrative assistants.  The only real difference was in their career goals.

What makes the South Coast College legal programs special? 

I believe that the faculty and the curriculum are what sets South Coast College legal programs apart.  All the faculty in the paralegal program have law degrees.  One is an experienced law clerk/paralegal.  The others are practicing attorneys.  All the instructors teach because they thoroughly enjoy teaching and helping students to attain positions in the legal field.  Another plus is that the faculty teach in their areas of expertise.  Many are recognized leaders in their respective areas.

The curriculum is designed to give students thorough training in legal concepts and practical application, with an emphasis on civil litigation. 

1.  Students receive a thorough foundation in substantive law:  torts,  contracts, family law, legal research and writing.  Electives are available in contemporary hot topics, such as:  immigration law and intellectual property.

2.  The curriculum emphasizes legal ethics.

3.  Students receive the all-important hands-on experience with legal procedures that enable them to become employable right away in a law office.

4.  The majority of classes are small.  The largest class size range is 18-20 students.  Students have an opportunity to work with the instructor and with each other on projects.

5.  The environment is helpful and supportive.  It is an easier environment in which to become successful.

6.  Students take a number of general education courses with students from other programs.  The legal students feel part of the college, not just part of a program.

7.  The quality of the program produces quality students who are easy to place in legal environments. 

Another consideration is that South Coast College is highly respected in Orange County and California for its legal programs and throughout the nation for its court reporting program.

Of what accomplishments at South Coast College in Orange are you most proud?

I am most proud of the dedicated faculty that I have recruited.  The faculty are responsible for elevating the program to the quality it now enjoys.  South Coast College is fortunate to have amassed a number of prominent attorneys from diverse areas of specialty who work in the field and enjoy sharing their expertise with students.

I am equally as proud of the fine legal administrative assistant and paralegal graduates who have emerged from the legal programs at South Coast College.

Is it possible for students to obtain positions in the legal administrative assistant and paralegal areas?

There are numerous positions available in these areas.  The main attraction for students who already hold B.A. degrees is that it enables them to get entry-level positions in the legal field.  Both areas are great entry-level positions in terms of professional responsibility and salary.  So many people leave four-year colleges without skills to enable them to become employable in entry-level positions.  Having a degree in addition to having skills needed in a legal office increases a person’s marketablility.

Is it necessary for a student to have a degree before taking the legal programs at South Coast College?

A degree is not necessary.  All training in either field starts at ground zero, assuming no prior knowledge.  If you are currently employed in a legal office and you wish to move up into positions of more responsibility, the paralegal program at South Coast College would be most helpful.  If you have never worked in a law office but would like to get started in that area, a good departure point is the Legal Administrative Assistant.  Many of our Legal Administrative Assistants go on to later become Paralegals. 

Ramy Seang, P.A. Medical Programs Director/Instructor at South Coast College in Orange is a graduate of the UCLA/Charles Drew Physician’s Assistant Program.

     Q     What interested you in pursuing a career at South Coast College?

     A      When I interviewed for the position, I had a good feeling about the college atmosphere, facilities, and faculty/staff interaction with students.  The school was buzzing with positive energy.  I asked what autonomy I would have in helping to enhance the Medical Assistant program, and I was assured that I would have the freedom to make positive changes as long as I worked for the betterment of the program and South Coast College.  In the time that I have been at South Coast College, I have been encouraged to make the changes in the delivery of the curriculum that I have made and to continue to improve my professional development as an instructor.  In my experience, many colleges do not offer the same level of academic freedom.

     Q     What surprised you most about South Coast College?

     A     I would say that it would be the high-caliber students that attend South Coast College.  Part of it, I must say, stems from the fact that South Coast College has a long-standing reputation in the legal field since 1961 and attracts outstanding court reporting and paralegal students from throughout the country.

     Q     Where do you see the Medical Assisting field 10 years from now?

     A      I see the field of Medical Assisting rapidly increasing as the number of baby-boomers require more health care.  High demand also translates into higher salaries for the Medical Assistant.  If you think about it, medical professions are the most stable of all professions.

     Q     Are there any unusual trends that you are spotting?

     A       I would say that a surprising trend is that more individuals who have degrees are seeking to complete the short nine month courses that make them immediately employable.  With the economy in its current condition, it is an easy way to transition into a position that has great career-path possibilities, especially for people who hold degrees.  Another trend that is occurring is that South Coast College is becoming a neighborhood college for medical assisting.  With St. Joseph’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, and University of Irvine Medical Center in close proximity to the college, it is attractive both for neighborhood students to go to school and to find externships and jobs.

     Q       What does the South Coast College Medical Assisting Program in Orange offer students that other schools may not?

     A        1.     Thorough preparation in both front office and back office procedures.    Clinical skills and medical coding/billing are equally emphasized, making for a more valuable medical assistant.

                2.      Sound academic preparation.  A strong academic program prepares students academically with the requisite medical foundation should they wish to continue in other health-care professions.

                3.       Class size.  The classes are small, allowing students to perform more iterations of clinical procedures, making students more competitent to perform a variety of medical procedures.

                4.        The comaraderie of faculty/staff and students from other programs.  Students/faculty/staff from the various programs participate as willing volunteers in receiving certain medical procedures.

                5.         Higher chances of employment in the medical field.  A quality program produces quality graduates that are easy to place in health professions.

                6.         The instructors are only either P.A.s or M.D.s.  The education that the students receive is in far more depth than can be provided from someone with a Certificate in Medical Assisting.

                7.           South Coast College is highly respected in the Orange County area because of the number of outstanding alumni it has produced over the years.

     Q     What are you most proud of with respect to your accomplishments at South Coast College?

     A      I am most proud of the retention that the Medical Assisting and Medical Transcription programs have.  I am proud of having raised the academic level of the courses.  I am proud of being able to place quality graduates who will help earn South Coast College the same degree of recognition in the medical field as it already holds in the legal field.