What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Stoughton WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important factors to think about as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Stoughton WI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Stoughton WI law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start establishing contacts within the Stoughton WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal schools 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 sizable networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those colleges that are within the Stoughton WI region.
What is the Entire Cost? 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 expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Stoughton WI. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, 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 Stoughton WI, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.