What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Palmetto Estates FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective 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 important factors to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Palmetto Estates FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Palmetto Estates FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Palmetto Estates FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those schools that are within the Palmetto Estates FL area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Palmetto Estates FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Palmetto Estates FL, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.