What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the The Pinery CO area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant issues to research as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of The Pinery CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several The Pinery CO law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin developing contacts within the The Pinery CO legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school located in Colorado or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those schools that are within the The Pinery CO area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in The Pinery CO. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near The Pinery CO, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.