What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Hollister CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at 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 select should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Hollister CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Hollister CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor 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 present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Hollister CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those schools that are within the Hollister CA region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Hollister CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Hollister CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.