What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Fort Morgan CO area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Fort Morgan CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Fort Morgan CO law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Fort Morgan CO legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. 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 a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those colleges that are within the Fort Morgan CO area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Fort Morgan CO. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Fort Morgan CO, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.