Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Right One Near Anchorage Alaska
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Anchorage AK, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. More and more educational choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into consideration also. Later on in this article we will review a list of concerns that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Anchorage AK is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Alaska to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few 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 advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and can be a good option for those living in Anchorage AK looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Anchorage AK area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. 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 discussed, there are other critical issues to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Anchorage AK law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Anchorage AK law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Anchorage AK legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance 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 Alaska legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Alaska or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire 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 need to first consider those schools that are within the Anchorage AK region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Anchorage AK. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Anchorage AK, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Anchorage
Enroll in the Best Anchorage Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies certificate school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Anchorage residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Different kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Anchorage Alaska.