Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Right One Near Albany Georgia
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Albany GA, it's time to start the process of picking a school. However, it's important that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more educational options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with numerous options? Some potential students start by trying to find schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those choices, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program need to be taken into account as well. Later on in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you should ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
Paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Albany GA is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies in the field are:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Association for Legal Professionals
By graduating with a paralegal degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and can be a good alternative for students living in Albany GA looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Albany GA area, as well as 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 degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant factors to think about as well, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Albany GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Albany GA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Albany GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Albany GA region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Albany GA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Albany GA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Albany
Choose the Best Albany Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal training program is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Albany home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Albany Georgia.
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