Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Casper WY area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to research as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select need to be accredited by a highly regarded 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 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 Casper WY law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Casper WY law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may 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 operation while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Casper WY legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wyoming legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Wyoming or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Casper WY region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Casper WY. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Casper WY, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you choose offers that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family obligations.