What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Union Hill Novelty Hill WA area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical factors to consider as well, including 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 considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Union Hill Novelty Hill WA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Union Hill Novelty Hill WA law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Union Hill Novelty Hill WA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Washington legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school domiciled in Washington or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Union Hill Novelty Hill WA area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Union Hill Novelty Hill WA. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while getting their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Union Hill Novelty Hill WA, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.