Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Bainbridge GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial issues to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Bainbridge GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Bainbridge GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin establishing contacts within the Bainbridge GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Bainbridge GA area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, 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 also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Bainbridge GA. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Bainbridge GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select offers that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.