Questions to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Kahului HI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Kahului HI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick 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 Kahului HI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while still in school. They can also provide a means for students to start creating contacts within the Kahului HI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically 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 first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Hawaii or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Kahului HI area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Kahului HI. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Kahului HI, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.