Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the South Charleston WV area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important factors to research also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of South Charleston WV law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several South Charleston WV law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the South Charleston WV legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with West Virginia legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a paralegal school located in West Virginia or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those schools that are within the South Charleston WV area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in South Charleston WV. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near South Charleston WV, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.