Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Bullhead City AZ area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out 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 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 important issues to consider also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Bullhead City AZ law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Bullhead City AZ law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Bullhead City AZ legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in Arizona 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 by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Bullhead City AZ area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Bullhead City AZ. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Bullhead City AZ, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.