What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Grand Terrace CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important factors to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Grand Terrace CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Grand Terrace CA law offices 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 the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Grand Terrace CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the Grand Terrace CA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Grand Terrace CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Grand Terrace CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.