Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Venice FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know 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 start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick 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 training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Venice FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Venice FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Venice FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those schools that are within the Venice FL region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary 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 as well. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Venice 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? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Venice FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Last, find out what the process is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.