What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Center Point AL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Center Point AL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Center Point AL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start creating contacts within the Center Point AL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large 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? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Alabama or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those schools that are within the Center Point AL region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Center Point AL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Center Point AL, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.