What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Fort Carson CO area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical issues to think about also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Fort Carson CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Fort Carson CO law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Fort Carson CO legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Fort Carson CO region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Fort Carson CO. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Fort Carson CO, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.