Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Richmond West FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Richmond West FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to 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 pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Richmond West FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Richmond West FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Richmond West FL area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Richmond West FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Richmond West FL, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.