Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Sarasota Springs FL area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. 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 previously covered, there are other crucial issues to research as well, for instance 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 thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Sarasota Springs FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Sarasota Springs FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Sarasota Springs FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those schools that are within the Sarasota Springs FL area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Sarasota Springs FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Sarasota Springs FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.