Things to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Mountain Park GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical factors to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Mountain Park GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Mountain Park GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Mountain Park GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first look at those schools that are within the Mountain Park GA area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Mountain Park GA. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Mountain Park GA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.