What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Hanford CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of 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 significant issues to consider as well, for instance 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 thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a respected 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 distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Hanford CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Hanford CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Hanford CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Hanford CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Hanford CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Hanford CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.