Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Wilmington Island GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial aspects to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation 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 selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency 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 education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Wilmington Island GA law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Wilmington Island GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Wilmington Island GA legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs 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 provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from state to state, it may be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Georgia or the state where you wish to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those schools that are within the Wilmington Island GA area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help offset some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Wilmington Island GA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Wilmington Island GA, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in offers that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.