Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Stevens Point WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other important factors to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Stevens Point WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Stevens Point WI law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if 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 give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the Stevens Point WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success 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 corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in Wisconsin 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 even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially look at those schools that are within the Stevens Point WI area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Stevens Point WI. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Stevens Point WI, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.