Paralegal Studies Program
How to Select the Right One Near Holly Springs Georgia
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Holly Springs GA, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you find the right program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of educational options are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many alternatives? A number of prospective students begin by searching for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school should be considered as well. Later in this article we will review a list of concerns that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your decision. But before we do, let's have a look at the instructional alternatives 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 perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Holly Springs GA is by obtaining a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations in the profession 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 cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Degrees
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more popular and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Holly Springs GA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Holly Springs GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant aspects to consider also, including 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 researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, 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 standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Holly Springs GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Holly Springs GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Holly Springs GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community 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 may want to first investigate those colleges that are within the Holly Springs GA area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help offset some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Holly Springs GA. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Holly Springs GA, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Paralegal in Holly Springs
Choose the Right Holly Springs Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies certificate program is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Holly Springs residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each school and make your final selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Holly Springs Georgia.
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