Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Saint Cloud FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical issues to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get 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 receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Saint Cloud FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Saint Cloud FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Saint Cloud FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Saint Cloud FL region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Saint Cloud FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Saint Cloud FL, verify 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 provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.