Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Coconut Creek FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial issues to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Coconut Creek FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Coconut Creek FL law firms 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 ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Coconut Creek FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those schools that are within the Coconut Creek FL area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Coconut Creek FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Coconut Creek 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 choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.