Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Sterling CO area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency 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 education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Sterling CO law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Sterling CO law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Sterling CO legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Sterling CO region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Sterling CO. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Sterling CO, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.