What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Bloomfield CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant issues to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School 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 school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Bloomfield CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Bloomfield CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Bloomfield CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Bloomfield CT area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget 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 be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Bloomfield CT. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Bloomfield CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.