Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Greenville WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should 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 program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Greenville WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose 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 contact several Greenville WI law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start establishing contacts within the Greenville WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to build relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially consider those colleges that are within the Greenville WI area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Greenville WI. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Greenville WI, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.