Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the East Rancho Dominguez CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical issues to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of East Rancho Dominguez CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several East Rancho Dominguez CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the East Rancho Dominguez CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement 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 substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community 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 might want to first investigate those schools that are within the East Rancho Dominguez CA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in East Rancho Dominguez CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near East Rancho Dominguez CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.