Choosing an accredited program or a program at an accredited college is an important step toward your future career. Accredited programs meet recognized quality standards. Here’s a closer look at institutional accreditation and accredited medical programs and the benefits they can offer.
What Is Accreditation?
Accreditation is when an external agency officially assesses the quality of an educational institution, program, or certificate. In healthcare education, accreditation helps make sure students receive training that meets recognized industry standards. Institutional accreditation reviews an entire college or university, evaluating all aspects of the institution, including its administration, faculty, learning outcomes, and student services.
Accreditation also isn’t something programs earn once and keep forever. Institutions must continue meeting quality standards through regular reviews and evaluations to maintain their accreditation status.
Institutional accreditation is a voluntary process, but without it, institutions and their students are at a disadvantage. Unaccredited institutions aren’t eligible for federal funding, which can affect students’ access to financial aid.
Some organizations that accredit healthcare programs include:
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Why Accredited Healthcare Programs Matter for Students
1. Eligibility for Licensure and Certification
Accredited medical programs are designed to meet vigorous standards, as you’d expect from programs training potential respiratory therapists, physical therapist assistants, surgical techs, or dental hygienists. In many healthcare fields, graduating from an accredited program is required before you can apply for licensure or certification exams.
2. Access to Financial Aid
Institutional accreditation is important for students seeking financial aid. Federal programs such as Pell Grants and student loans require enrollment at accredited institutions, as do many military education assistance programs. Private scholarships may also require enrollment in an accredited institution.
3. Employer Trust and Job Opportunities
Accreditation can also affect your job opportunities after graduation. Employers trust that graduates from an accredited school will meet specific standards and benchmarks and will be able to secure licensure if required, an important consideration when selecting healthcare employees.
How to Verify if a Program Is Accredited
The easiest way to determine whether a program or institution is accredited is to contact the school’s admissions office and ask for the accrediting agency’s name, or visit the college’s accreditation and approvals page.
How Carrington College Meets Accreditation Standards
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at http://www.accjc.org/.
Common Misconceptions About Accreditation
Even though accreditation and approvals play an important role in healthcare education, there are still some common misunderstandings about what accreditation means and why it matters. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions:
“Accreditation is just a bureaucratic formality.”
Accreditation is more than bureaucratic red tape. Accredited schools and programs go through detailed evaluations to help ensure they meet quality standards and continue to improve over time.
“Accreditation is voluntary.”
Technically, this is true. In practice, accreditation is important for educational credibility, access to federal financial aid, and qualifying for the credentials that may be required in healthcare careers.
“Accreditation only happens once.”
Accreditation is an ongoing process. Schools and programs must complete regular reviews to maintain their accreditation and continue meeting quality standards.
“Any accrediting body will do.”
Only agencies recognized by the U.S. The Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can give legitimate accreditation.
“Accrediting is only about curriculum.”
Accreditation evaluates several areas, including instructor qualifications, student support, financial stability, student outcomes, and more.
Accreditation FAQs
Are all schools accredited?
No. Accreditation is a voluntary quality-control process. However, attending an unaccredited school can create challenges for students. For example, students may not qualify for federal financial aid.
Can accreditation affect my career?
Yes, accreditation can significantly affect your career. Employers may prefer candidates who graduated from accredited programs because it shows they completed training that meets recognized quality standards. In many healthcare fields, accreditation is required to qualify for licensing exams.
Are online programs accredited?
Yes, some online programs are accredited. Accredited online programs are expected to meet the same educational standards as on-campus programs. If a school and its healthcare programs are accredited, that accreditation generally applies to eligible online classes as well.
