Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Harrison AR area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important aspects to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Harrison AR law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Harrison AR law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may 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 operation while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Harrison AR legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Arkansas legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Arkansas or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Harrison AR region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Harrison AR. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Harrison AR, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.