Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Santa Fe Springs CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical issues to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training 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 distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Santa Fe Springs CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Santa Fe Springs CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Santa Fe Springs CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to create 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 desire to work. 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 want to first consider those colleges that are within the Santa Fe Springs CA area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Santa Fe Springs CA. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Santa Fe Springs CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.