Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Wethersfield CT area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Wethersfield CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible 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 looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Wethersfield CT law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Wethersfield CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Wethersfield CT region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Wethersfield CT. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Wethersfield CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.