Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Callaway FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know 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 also. If you are like many potential 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 important issues to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Callaway FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Callaway FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Callaway FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to practice. 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 initially investigate those schools that are within the Callaway FL area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Callaway FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Callaway FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.