Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Land O Lakes FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Land O Lakes FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Land O Lakes FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Land O Lakes FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Land O Lakes FL area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Land O Lakes FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Land O Lakes FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.