Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Altamonte Springs FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate 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 begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a recognized 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 targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Altamonte Springs FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Altamonte Springs FL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Altamonte Springs FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. 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 a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those schools that are within the Altamonte Springs FL area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Altamonte Springs FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Altamonte Springs FL, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.