What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Rosamond CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. 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 previously covered, there are other crucial issues to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive 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 demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Rosamond CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Rosamond CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Rosamond CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Rosamond CA region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable 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 Rosamond CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Rosamond CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.