Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Van Buren AR area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant issues to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Van Buren AR law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Van Buren AR law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Van Buren AR legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid 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 graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Arkansas or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Van Buren AR region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Van Buren AR. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Van Buren AR, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.