What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Sweetwater FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important issues to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Sweetwater FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Sweetwater FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Sweetwater FL legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Sweetwater FL region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools 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 education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Sweetwater FL. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Sweetwater FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.