What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Fountain Hills AZ area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about as well, such as 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 considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a reputable organization 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 targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Fountain Hills AZ law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Fountain Hills AZ law practices that you may have an interest 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 rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Fountain Hills AZ legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you choose 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 look at those colleges that are within the Fountain Hills AZ area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Fountain Hills AZ. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Fountain Hills AZ, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.