Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Chula Vista CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively 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 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 quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Chula Vista CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Chula Vista CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Chula Vista CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially consider those schools that are within the Chula Vista CA area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Chula Vista CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Chula Vista CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.