Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Maywood CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many 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 significant aspects to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some 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 choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get 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 get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Maywood CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Maywood CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Maywood CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Maywood CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Maywood CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Maywood CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.