What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Southchase FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Southchase FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Southchase FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Southchase FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably 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 assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to practice. 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 need to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Southchase FL region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, 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 also. Financial aid might be available to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Southchase 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 Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Southchase FL, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.