What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Carol City FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Carol City FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select 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 contact several Carol City FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Carol City FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success 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 confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate 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 choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Carol City FL area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Carol City FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Carol City FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.