Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Coalinga CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Coalinga CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Coalinga CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Coalinga CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Coalinga CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Coalinga CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Coalinga CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.