Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Wheeling WV area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know 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 start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical issues to think about also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency 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 learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Wheeling WV law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Wheeling WV law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Wheeling WV legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with West Virginia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in West Virginia or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be necessary to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Wheeling WV region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Wheeling WV. Naturally if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Wheeling WV, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.