Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Tucson AZ area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out 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 the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Tucson 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 offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Tucson AZ law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Tucson AZ legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Arizona legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Tucson AZ area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Tucson AZ. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Tucson AZ, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.