Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Plymouth Connecticut
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Plymouth CT, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational options are becoming available, both on campus and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school must be taken into account too. We will address those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Plymouth CT is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained 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 also. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job 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 program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and can be a good alternative for those living in Plymouth CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Plymouth CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial aspects to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program 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 program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Plymouth CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Plymouth CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Plymouth CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose 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 may wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Plymouth CT area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools 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 education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Plymouth CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Plymouth CT, verify 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, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Plymouth
Choose the Best Plymouth Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal training school is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Plymouth residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each school and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Plymouth Connecticut.