Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Riviera Beach FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Riviera Beach FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Riviera Beach FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Riviera Beach FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Riviera Beach FL area.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. 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 as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Riviera Beach FL. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Riviera Beach FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.