Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the South Bradenton FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important 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 should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many South Bradenton FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select 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 contact some South Bradenton FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear 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 Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the South Bradenton FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require 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 South Bradenton FL area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in South Bradenton FL. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near South Bradenton FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.