Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Best One Near Athens Alabama
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Athens AL, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. More and more academic options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Many potential students begin by looking for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. There are many other factors that you should weigh when reviewing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you need to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Athens AL is by obtaining a certificate, which may take as little as 6 months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Alabama to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies in the profession are:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Association for Legal Professionals
By graduating with a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more prevalent and may be a good option for those living in Athens AL looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Athens AL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Athens AL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Athens AL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Athens AL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in Alabama or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those colleges that are within the Athens AL area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Athens AL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Athens AL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Athens
Enroll in the Best Athens Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal degree program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Athens residence. Paralegal academic programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Athens Alabama.
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