Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Fortuna CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical aspects to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program 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 might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Fortuna CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Fortuna CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start creating contacts within the Fortuna CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools 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 Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good 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 among states, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those colleges that are within the Fortuna CA area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Fortuna CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Fortuna CA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.