Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Stanton CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant issues to think about as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Stanton CA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out 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 prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Stanton CA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Stanton CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement 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 graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Stanton CA area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Stanton CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Stanton CA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.