Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the San Mateo CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn 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 as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important factors to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many San Mateo CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special 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. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few San Mateo CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the San Mateo CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask 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 substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those colleges that are within the San Mateo CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in San Mateo CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near San Mateo CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.