Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Fort Collins CO area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially 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 searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Fort Collins CO law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Fort Collins CO law offices 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 among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may 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 provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Fort Collins CO legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Colorado or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Fort Collins CO area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained 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 supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Fort Collins CO. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Fort Collins CO, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.