Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Indio CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical issues to consider also, such as 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 considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a respected 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Indio CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Indio CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Indio CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance 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 substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the Indio CA area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received 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 books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Indio CA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Indio CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.