Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Bay Point CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential 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 crucial issues to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized 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 online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Bay Point CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Bay Point CA 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 among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Bay Point CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Bay Point CA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Bay Point CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Bay Point CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.