What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the North Auburn CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know 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 also. If you are like most prospective 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 important issues to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable 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 training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous North Auburn CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some North Auburn CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the North Auburn CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want 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 schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the North Auburn CA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in North Auburn CA. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near North Auburn CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.