Paralegal Studies Course
How to Pick the Right One Near Decatur Alabama
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Decatur AL, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are being offered, both on campus and online. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of prospective students start by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be considered too. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Decatur AL is by earning a certificate, which can take just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Alabama to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Decatur AL searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Decatur AL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Decatur AL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Decatur AL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Decatur AL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Alabama legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in Alabama or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those colleges that are within the Decatur AL region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Decatur AL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Decatur AL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Decatur
Choose the Best Decatur Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal certificate program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Decatur home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to examine each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the ideal education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Decatur Alabama.
Decatur Paralegal Certificate Online | Decatur Paralegal Studies