What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Hialeah FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain 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 establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Hialeah FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Hialeah FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Hialeah FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Hialeah FL region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Hialeah FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Hialeah FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.