Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Grover Beach CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. 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 Grover Beach CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program 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 call some Grover Beach CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Grover Beach CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools 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 sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Grover Beach CA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Grover Beach CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Grover Beach CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.