What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Palm Valley FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Palm Valley FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Palm Valley FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Palm Valley FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it might be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Palm Valley FL region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Palm Valley FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Palm Valley FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.