Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Wilton CT area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to 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 looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Wilton CT law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research 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 work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Wilton CT law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Wilton CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large 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? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Connecticut or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first investigate those colleges that are within the Wilton CT region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books 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 talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Wilton CT. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Wilton CT, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.