Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Fresno 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 especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial issues to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Fresno CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Fresno CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may 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 operation while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Fresno CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools 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 good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. 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 need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Fresno CA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Fresno CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Fresno CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.