Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Crestview FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical aspects to consider also, for instance 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 researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency 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 online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Crestview FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Crestview FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember 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 firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Crestview FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those schools that are within the Crestview FL area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Crestview FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Crestview FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.