Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Highlands Ranch CO area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Highlands Ranch CO law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Highlands Ranch CO law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Highlands Ranch CO legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools 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 substantial networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in Colorado or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Highlands Ranch CO area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Highlands Ranch CO. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Highlands Ranch CO, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.