Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Miami 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 when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial issues to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Miami FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Miami FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Miami FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Miami FL region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Miami FL. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, 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 need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Miami FL, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.