Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Fort Myers FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical aspects to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency 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 online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Fort Myers FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Fort Myers FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Fort Myers FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Fort Myers FL region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Fort Myers FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate 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 Fort Myers FL, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.