Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Twentynine Palms CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded 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 targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Twentynine Palms CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Twentynine Palms CA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Twentynine Palms CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Twentynine Palms CA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Twentynine Palms CA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Twentynine Palms CA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.