Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Menasha WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to 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 most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical aspects to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program 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 focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Menasha WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? 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 experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school 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 Menasha WI law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Menasha WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering 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 substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you want to work after graduation. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the area where you choose to work. 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 need to first consider those schools that are within the Menasha WI region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Menasha WI. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Menasha WI, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you choose offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family obligations.