Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Wekiwa Springs FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant aspects to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Wekiwa Springs FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession 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 choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Wekiwa Springs FL law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Wekiwa Springs FL legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those schools that are within the Wekiwa Springs FL area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. 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 may be available to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Wekiwa Springs FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Wekiwa Springs FL, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.