Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Loma Linda CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn 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 as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical factors to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. 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 as well. Many Loma Linda CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Loma Linda CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Loma Linda CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, 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 wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Loma Linda CA region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Loma Linda CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Loma Linda CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.