Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Hesperia CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over 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 Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Hesperia CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Hesperia CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Hesperia CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially look at those schools that are within the Hesperia CA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Hesperia CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Hesperia 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 enroll in makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.