Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Boca Raton FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Boca Raton FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Boca Raton FL law practices 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 the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Boca Raton FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Boca Raton FL region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Boca Raton FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Boca Raton FL, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.