What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Rowland Heights CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to think about 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 effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Rowland Heights CA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Rowland Heights CA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Rowland Heights CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs 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 large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Rowland Heights CA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Rowland Heights CA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Rowland Heights 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 offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.