Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Yulee FL area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should 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 focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Yulee FL law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Yulee FL law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Yulee FL legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Florida legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Florida or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Yulee FL region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Yulee FL. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Yulee FL, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.