Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Cheyenne WY area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially 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 begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other crucial factors to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Cheyenne WY law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Cheyenne WY law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to begin developing contacts within the Cheyenne WY legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Wyoming legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Wyoming or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Cheyenne WY area.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Cheyenne WY. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Cheyenne WY, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed due to sickness, work or family emergencies.