Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Wolcott CT area, as well as 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 certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical issues to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Wolcott 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 offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Wolcott CT law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Wolcott CT legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of 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 charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Wolcott CT area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Wolcott CT. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Wolcott 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 choose makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.