Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Boyle Heights CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical aspects to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Boyle Heights CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Boyle Heights CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Boyle Heights CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Boyle Heights CA area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, 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 as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Boyle Heights CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Boyle Heights CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.