Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Best One Near Statesboro Georgia
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Statesboro GA, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you find the best school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. More and more academic choices are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be taken into account as well. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a paralegal in Statesboro GA is by earning a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Georgia to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded 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 school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and can be a good alternative for those living in Statesboro GA searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Statesboro GA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a recognized 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 targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Statesboro GA law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call a few Statesboro GA law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Statesboro GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those colleges that are within the Statesboro GA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Statesboro GA. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Statesboro GA, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Statesboro
Enroll in the Right Statesboro Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies degree school is a crucial first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Statesboro home. Paralegal academic programs are made available in many formats and lengths. Different types of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Statesboro Georgia.
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