Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Villa Rica GA area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other significant issues to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation 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 thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Villa Rica GA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Villa Rica GA law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Villa Rica GA legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Georgia or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those schools that are within the Villa Rica GA region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Villa Rica GA. Of course if you opt to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Villa Rica GA, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.