Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Wesley Chapel FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical aspects to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain 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 obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Wesley Chapel FL law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Wesley Chapel FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what 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 Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Wesley Chapel FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting 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 placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially look at those colleges that are within the Wesley Chapel FL region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Wesley Chapel FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Wesley Chapel FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.