Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the El Dorado Hills CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical factors to research as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a respected 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 focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous El Dorado Hills CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some El Dorado Hills CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the El Dorado Hills CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those schools that are within the El Dorado Hills CA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in El Dorado Hills CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near El Dorado Hills CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.