Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Stevenson Ranch CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know 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 many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can 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 show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Stevenson Ranch 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 programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Stevenson Ranch CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Stevenson Ranch CA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good 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 might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those colleges that are within the Stevenson Ranch CA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Stevenson Ranch CA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Stevenson Ranch CA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.