Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Punta Gorda Isles FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly 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 begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important issues to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Punta Gorda Isles FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Punta Gorda Isles FL law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Punta Gorda Isles FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs 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 wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those colleges that are within the Punta Gorda Isles FL region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Punta Gorda Isles FL. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Punta Gorda Isles FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.