Paralegal Studies Course
How to Find the Best One Near Columbus Georgia
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Columbus GA and start your journey that will lead to a gratifying career in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic options are becoming available, both at school and online. However with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school should be taken into consideration too. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your selection. But first, let's have a look at the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education 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 educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Columbus GA is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded certifying organizations 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 benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Columbus GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Columbus GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn 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 many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant factors to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Columbus GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Columbus GA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding 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 present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Columbus GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially consider those colleges that are within the Columbus GA region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Columbus GA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Columbus GA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Columbus
Choose the Best Columbus Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies degree school is an essential first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Columbus residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Several kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the right training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Columbus Georgia.