What to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Mililani Town HI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add 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 previously covered, there are other critical issues to consider as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might 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 receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Mililani Town HI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Mililani Town HI law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Mililani Town HI legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide 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 want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Hawaii legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Hawaii or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those schools that are within the Mililani Town HI area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include 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 expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Mililani Town HI. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Mililani Town HI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.