Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Beloit WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Beloit WI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Beloit WI law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Beloit WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Beloit WI area.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Beloit WI. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Beloit WI, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.