Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Fairbanks AK area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical issues to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Fairbanks AK law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Fairbanks AK law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start creating contacts within the Fairbanks AK legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Alaska legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Alaska or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Fairbanks AK area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Fairbanks AK. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Fairbanks AK, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.