Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Wilton Manors FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial factors to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, 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 education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Wilton Manors FL law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Wilton Manors FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Wilton Manors FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Wilton Manors FL region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Wilton Manors FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Wilton Manors FL, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.