What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Spring Valley CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if 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 already covered, there are other critical aspects to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded 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 targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Spring Valley CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program 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 some Spring Valley CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Spring Valley CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Spring Valley CA region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Spring Valley CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Spring Valley CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.