Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Marion AR area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some 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 decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Marion AR law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Marion AR law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Marion AR legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement 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 corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Arkansas or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those colleges that are within the Marion AR region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Marion AR. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Marion AR, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.