Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Laguna Woods CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized 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 targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Laguna Woods CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick 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 Laguna Woods CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Laguna Woods CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary 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 choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the Laguna Woods CA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained 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 as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Laguna Woods CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Laguna Woods CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.