Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Estero FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add 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 discussed, there are other crucial aspects to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few 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 School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Estero FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Estero FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Estero FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing 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 confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain 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 reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Estero FL area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Estero FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Estero FL, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.