What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Winter Garden FL area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many 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 critical aspects to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Winter Garden FL law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Winter Garden FL law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Winter Garden FL legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in Florida or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. 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 first consider those colleges that are within the Winter Garden FL region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Winter Garden FL. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Winter Garden FL, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.