Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Decatur GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. 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 critical factors to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School 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 get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Decatur GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Decatur GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Decatur GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success 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 corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those schools that are within the Decatur GA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Decatur GA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Decatur GA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.