What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Escondido CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating 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 choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded 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 learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Escondido CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Escondido CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Escondido 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 after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those colleges that are within the Escondido CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. 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 may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Escondido CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Escondido CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.