Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Calhoun GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to research as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Calhoun GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Calhoun GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Calhoun GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing 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 great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish 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 need to initially look at those colleges that are within the Calhoun GA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Calhoun GA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Calhoun GA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.