Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Elk Grove CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Elk Grove CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Elk Grove CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Elk Grove CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Elk Grove CA region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Elk Grove CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Elk Grove CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.