Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Port Saint Lucie FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School and 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 program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. 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 also. Numerous Port Saint Lucie FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Port Saint Lucie FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Port Saint Lucie FL legal field. Find out 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 Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first investigate those colleges that are within the Port Saint Lucie FL region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Port Saint Lucie FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Port Saint Lucie FL, make certain 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, ask what the process is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.