What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the New Port Richey FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant factors to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few 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 Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency 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 online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous New Port Richey FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few New Port Richey FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating 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 exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the New Port Richey FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding 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 success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the New Port Richey FL region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in New Port Richey FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near New Port Richey FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.