Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Oakland Park FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Oakland Park FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Oakland Park FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to start developing contacts within the Oakland Park FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out 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 substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those schools that are within the Oakland Park FL area.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Oakland Park FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Oakland Park FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.