Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Little Rock AR area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
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 program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Little Rock AR law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Little Rock AR law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Little Rock AR legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Arkansas legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Arkansas or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you desire to work. 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 may wish to initially look at those schools that are within the Little Rock AR region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Little Rock AR. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Little Rock AR, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.