Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Bloomington CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can 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 prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important aspects to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Bloomington CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Bloomington CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Bloomington CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing 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 good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those schools that are within the Bloomington CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Bloomington CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Bloomington CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.