What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Gillette WY area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to research also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Gillette WY law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Gillette WY law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to start creating contacts within the Gillette WY legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wyoming legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to choose a legal assistant school located in Wyoming or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to initially investigate those schools that are within the Gillette WY region.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Gillette WY. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Gillette WY, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.