Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Best One Near Storrs Connecticut
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Storrs CT, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you find the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational choices are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you must take into consideration. There are several other qualifications that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's have a look at the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Training and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Storrs CT is by earning a certificate, which can take just six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Connecticut to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations in the profession 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more popular and may be an excellent option for those living in Storrs CT searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at the very least 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 looking into are accredited by a respected agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Storrs CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important aspects to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Storrs CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Storrs CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Storrs CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those schools that are within the Storrs CT area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Storrs CT. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Storrs CT, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Storrs
Enroll in the Right Storrs Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies certificate program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Storrs home. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Storrs Connecticut.
Storrs Paralegal Certificate Programs | Storrs Paralegal Certificate