What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Plymouth CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important aspects to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Plymouth CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Plymouth CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Plymouth CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. 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 a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those schools that are within the Plymouth CT area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Plymouth CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Plymouth CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.