Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Redding CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Redding CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Redding CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Redding CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those schools that are within the Redding CA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Redding CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Redding CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.