Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Rocklin CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a reputable organization 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 online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Rocklin CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Rocklin CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Rocklin CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since 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 graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those schools that are within the Rocklin CA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Rocklin CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Rocklin CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.