What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Wisconsin Rapids WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial factors to research as well, 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 investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Wisconsin Rapids WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Investigate 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 prior experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Wisconsin Rapids WI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin establishing contacts within the Wisconsin Rapids WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to first look at those colleges that are within the Wisconsin Rapids WI area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Wisconsin Rapids WI. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Wisconsin Rapids WI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Last, find out what the process is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.