Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Best One Near Augusta Georgia
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Augusta GA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you locate the best program so that you will get the extensive training that you need. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program ought to be taken into consideration as well. Later on in this article we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's have a look at the instructional options that are available 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. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Augusta GA is by earning a certificate, which may take just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and can be an excellent option for students living in Augusta GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Augusta GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial issues to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Augusta GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Augusta GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, 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 remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Augusta GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those schools that are within the Augusta GA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Augusta GA. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Augusta GA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Augusta
Enroll in the Right Augusta Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal studies degree program is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Augusta residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Augusta Georgia.
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