Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Bloomingdale FL area, in addition to 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 potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Bloomingdale FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school 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 a few Bloomingdale FL law practices that you may have an interest 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 rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Bloomingdale FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those colleges that are within the Bloomingdale FL region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Bloomingdale FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Bloomingdale FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.