Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Erie CO area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Erie CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Erie CO law practices 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 rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Erie CO legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in Colorado or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the Erie CO region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Erie CO. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Erie CO, 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 select provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.