Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Wasco CA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Wasco CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Wasco CA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not 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 establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Wasco CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs 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 substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of 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 live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those colleges that are within the Wasco CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Wasco CA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Wasco 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 makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.