Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Somerton AZ area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial aspects to consider 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 researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Somerton AZ law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, 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. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Somerton AZ law firms 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 ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Somerton AZ legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Arizona or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Somerton AZ region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Somerton AZ. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Somerton AZ, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.