Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Opa Locka FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant factors to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in 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 obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Opa Locka FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Opa Locka FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Opa Locka FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Opa Locka FL area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Opa Locka FL. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Opa Locka FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.