Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Prescott Valley AZ area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. 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 covered, there are other significant issues to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Prescott Valley AZ law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Prescott Valley AZ law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Prescott Valley AZ legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those schools that are within the Prescott Valley AZ area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Prescott Valley AZ. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Prescott Valley AZ, verify classes are available 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 protocol is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.