Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Port Orange FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Port Orange FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Port Orange FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Port Orange FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those colleges that are within the Port Orange FL area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Port Orange FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Port Orange FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.