What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Forest Park GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important issues to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools 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 program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Forest Park GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate 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 experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Forest Park GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Forest Park GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to choose a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to develop relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Forest Park GA region.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Forest Park GA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Forest Park GA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.