Paralegal Studies Course
How to Select the Best One Near Fairbanks Alaska
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Fairbanks AK and begin your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic choices are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you need to consider. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school must be taken into account also. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Fairbanks AK is by earning a certificate, which can require just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Alaska to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying organizations in the field 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and may be a good alternative for individuals living in Fairbanks AK looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Fairbanks AK area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization 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 distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Fairbanks AK law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Fairbanks AK law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Fairbanks AK legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Alaska legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Alaska or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to develop 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 wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge 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 region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Fairbanks AK. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Fairbanks AK, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Fairbanks
Enroll in the Best Fairbanks Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies training school is an important first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Fairbanks home. Paralegal training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each school and make your final selection. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Fairbanks Alaska.
Fairbanks Paralegal Training | Fairbanks How To Become A Paralegal