What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Miami Gardens FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important factors to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Miami Gardens FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Miami Gardens FL law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Miami Gardens FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those colleges that are within the Miami Gardens FL area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Miami Gardens FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Miami Gardens FL, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.