Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Ellington CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical issues to research also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Ellington CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Ellington CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to start creating contacts within the Ellington CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Ellington CT region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Ellington CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Ellington CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.