Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Fallbrook CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to consider also, such as 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 investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Fallbrook CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Fallbrook CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind 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 offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Fallbrook CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ 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 wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire 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 live outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those schools that are within the Fallbrook CA area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Fallbrook CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Fallbrook CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.