Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Elfers FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to think about as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee 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. Numerous Elfers FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Elfers FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Elfers FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Elfers FL area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Elfers FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Elfers FL, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.