Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Millbrook AL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to think about 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 final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Millbrook AL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose 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 contact several Millbrook AL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Millbrook AL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign 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 School's Location? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Alabama or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to create 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 choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those schools that are within the Millbrook AL area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Millbrook AL. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Millbrook AL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.