Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Best One Near Plainville Connecticut
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Plainville CT, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to be successful. More and more educational options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you must consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program should be taken into account too. We will address those topics and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Plainville CT is by obtaining a certificate, which can take just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. When you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more available and can be an excellent alternative for those living in Plainville CT searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Plainville CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. 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 already covered, there are other important factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Plainville CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Plainville CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, 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 office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Plainville CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most 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 Plainville CT region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Plainville CT. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Plainville CT, verify classes are available 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, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Plainville
Enroll in the Best Plainville Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal training school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding 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 Plainville home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each school and make your final decision. And with the right training you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Plainville Connecticut.