Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Westwood Lakes FL area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective 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 crucial issues to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Westwood Lakes FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. 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 education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Westwood Lakes FL law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Westwood Lakes FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Westwood Lakes FL region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Westwood Lakes FL. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Westwood Lakes FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you select offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.