Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Marco Island FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many 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 significant issues 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 programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded 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 training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Marco Island FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, 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 a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Marco Island FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Marco Island FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire 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 may wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Marco Island FL region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Marco Island FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Marco Island FL, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.