Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Jasmine Estates FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important factors to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation 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 selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Jasmine Estates FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Jasmine Estates FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what 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 Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Jasmine Estates FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you desire to work. 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 may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Jasmine Estates FL region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember 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 cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Jasmine Estates FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Jasmine Estates FL, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.