Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
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 since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Windsor CO area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when 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 critical issues to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Windsor CO law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Windsor CO law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Windsor CO legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools 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 large networks and great relationships with Colorado legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Colorado or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Windsor CO region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Windsor CO. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Windsor CO, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.