There are thousands of paralegal schools spread across different states. However, because of the fast-paced world we live in, few people have the time to go a fulltime course at a physical school. Thankfully, you can get the same education through the many online schools. With so many options to choose from, how does one know the best option to go with? These are some of the helpful tips, that Paralegal School Toronto advises you to look at, when finding the right online paralegal school.
Accreditation
Before you register for the online school, find out if they are accredited by the Canadian bar association or at least by a reputable regional accrediting body. Most employers value certificates from accredited schools so taking your course from a school that has no accreditation will hurt your chances of getting employed at a reputable firm.
The length of the program
A paralegal program can last for anything between 3 months to 2 years. If you already have a degree or have some legal experience, you will be good with the shorter certificate programs. The 2-year degree program is ideal for anyone that is looking to jumpstart their career as a paralegal in a law firm. Depending on your preference, look for a school that has the duration you are interested in.
Flexibility
Flexibility is an important consideration for online programs. Maybe you want to juggle your studies with your day job or need flexible schedules for another reason. Therefore, you may want to look for a school that offers lots of flexibility in the scheduling of classes. If you are not sure which hours of the day you will be available, you may want to consider a school that supports the self-paced model.
Internships
Job experience is a prerequisite for almost any new job you apply for. The best way of getting experience without a job is doing internships. This is why you want to look for a school that offers some good internship opportunities for their students. As a paralegal, you may want to specialize in a specific field. If you have already identified your specialty, consult with the admissions office of the online school to know if they have placement opportunities in law firms that specialize in your field of interest.
Career services
Most online schools are just committed to providing education to their students and then leave them at that. It would be helpful to get a school that goes the extra mile and helps their students to fit in the job market after their graduation. You can ask the school about the percentage of job placements they achieve for their past students. It would also be of benefit to know the percentage of their past students who successfully take certification exams.
Technology has made it possible to pursue your education right on your couch after returning home from your day job. However, there are lots of unscrupulous businessmen on the internet who are just out to make a quick buck. Do your due diligence by asking the five questions above, and you will be fine.