What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Key West FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant aspects to think about as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Key West FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Key West FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Key West FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer 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 most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you wish to work. 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 look at those schools that are within the Key West FL area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Key West FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Key West FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.