Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Sherwood AR area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee 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. Many Sherwood AR law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
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 rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Sherwood AR law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Sherwood AR legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Arkansas legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Arkansas or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Sherwood AR region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Sherwood AR. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Sherwood AR, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.