Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Bartow FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical factors to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Bartow FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Bartow FL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Bartow FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those schools that are within the Bartow FL region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Bartow FL. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Bartow FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.