Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Aventura FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial factors to consider as well, 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 properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, 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 education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Aventura FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Aventura FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Aventura FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Aventura FL region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Aventura FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Aventura FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.