Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Cocoa FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many 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 crucial aspects to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might 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 education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Cocoa FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Cocoa FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Cocoa FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first investigate those schools that are within the Cocoa FL region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Cocoa FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Cocoa FL, make sure classes are offered 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. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.