What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Federal Heights CO area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can 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 the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to research also, such as 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 investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Federal Heights CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Federal Heights CO law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Federal Heights CO legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those schools that are within the Federal Heights CO region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Federal Heights CO. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Federal Heights CO, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.