Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Oro Valley AZ area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Oro Valley AZ law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often 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 special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Oro Valley AZ law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Oro Valley AZ legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Arizona or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Oro Valley AZ region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. 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 also. Financial aid might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Oro Valley AZ. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Oro Valley AZ, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.