Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Sacramento CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly 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 looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to consider as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Sacramento CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Sacramento CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Sacramento CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. 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 may wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Sacramento CA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, 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 also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Sacramento CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Sacramento CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.