Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Woodcrest CA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial issues to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized 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 targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Woodcrest CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Woodcrest CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Woodcrest CA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in California or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Woodcrest CA area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Woodcrest CA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Woodcrest CA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.