Points to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Ewa Beach HI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many 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 critical factors to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Ewa Beach HI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Ewa Beach HI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which 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 excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Ewa Beach HI legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Hawaii or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you want 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 may need to first consider those colleges that are within the Ewa Beach HI region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Ewa Beach HI. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Ewa Beach HI, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.