Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Hawaiian Paradise Park HI area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant aspects to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Hawaiian Paradise Park HI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming 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 contact a few Hawaiian Paradise Park HI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Hawaiian Paradise Park 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 upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Hawaii or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to cultivate 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 community where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the Hawaiian Paradise Park HI region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Hawaiian Paradise Park HI. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Hawaiian Paradise Park HI, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.