Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Carmichael CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know 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 many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Carmichael CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Carmichael CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Carmichael CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to work. 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 first look at those colleges that are within the Carmichael CA area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Carmichael CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Carmichael CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.