Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Pembroke Pines FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if 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 driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized 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 focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Pembroke Pines FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Pembroke Pines FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Pembroke Pines FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want 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 need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Pembroke Pines FL area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Pembroke Pines FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Pembroke Pines FL, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.