What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Clermont FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to research as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Clermont FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession 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 a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Clermont FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Clermont FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Clermont FL area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Clermont FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Clermont FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.