What to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Waunakee WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a respected organization 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 learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Waunakee WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special 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. Checking that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Waunakee WI law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, 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 an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Waunakee WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to establish 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 community where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first look at those schools that are within the Waunakee WI region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add 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 be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Waunakee WI. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Waunakee WI, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.