Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Best One Near Waterbury Connecticut
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Waterbury CT, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic options are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you should consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school should be taken into account too. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's have a look at the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Waterbury CT is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Connecticut to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more common and may be a good option for students living in Waterbury CT looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who keep working while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Waterbury CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to 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 as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Waterbury CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Waterbury CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Waterbury CT legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most 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 Waterbury CT region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Waterbury CT. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Waterbury CT, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, find out 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 Waterbury
Choose the Best Waterbury Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies training program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Waterbury residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you decide to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Waterbury Connecticut.