Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Verde Village AZ area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn 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 as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important aspects to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency 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 focuses on online or distance learning. 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 as well. A number of Verde Village AZ law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Verde Village AZ law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Verde Village AZ legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid 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 sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Arizona or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of 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, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Verde Village AZ region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Verde Village AZ. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Verde Village AZ, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.