Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Right One Near Norwich Connecticut
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Norwich CT, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic alternatives are becoming available, both at school and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students begin by looking for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you must consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program must be taken into account too. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at the educational choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Norwich CT is by earning a certificate, which can involve just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies in the field are:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Association for Legal Professionals
By graduating with a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and may be a good alternative for students living in Norwich CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Norwich CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency 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 targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Norwich CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Norwich CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Norwich CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Norwich CT region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Norwich CT. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Norwich CT, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Norwich
Enroll in the Best Norwich Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal training program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Norwich residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Norwich Connecticut.