Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Riverdale GA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important aspects to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Riverdale GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Riverdale GA law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear 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 School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Riverdale GA legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first look at those schools that are within the Riverdale GA region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help offset part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Riverdale GA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Riverdale GA, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in offers that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.