3 November 2011

In “Accreditation Matters (Part 1): How to be a Smart Consumer of Academic Programs in Health Care,” we provided key answers to questions that you should consider when choosing an academic program. That article focused on how to be a smart consumer when selecting an academic program in health care. Part II focuses on the potential consequences of attending a non-accredited school or program.

Before making what could be a substantial financial investment to attend a school or program to become a health care professional, you may want to ask your school or program about the success rate of their graduates in terms of placement and employment opportunities. Some schools that can award federal financial aid are required under the new gainful employment regulations to prove that their degree programs result in their graduates finding employment in a recognized occupation. Therefore, as schools take steps toward accreditation, they may already be providing this information for students and potential students.

A key piece of advice: Before beginning a program of study, make sure to check state requirements. This is particularly important for health professions that require licensure or certification. Some schools and programs are not accredited, which can jeopardize your path toward success.

Some professions do not require certification or licensure; it depends on the state in which you live. For example, not all states require certification to become a medical interpreter. However, the National Board for Certification of Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) is moving toward national certification. If you are interested in this field (or any other health profession), it is wise to check with your state requirements. If you are beginning a program, it might be to your benefit to obtain certification for this profession to ensure you meet future requirements.

It’s even more complicated in some other professions. For instance, alternative pathways to eligibility for certification are available with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) for diagnostic medical sonographers. If a student attends an institution that is not accredited, they may be able to sit for the ARDMS certification exam if they complete 12 months of full-time clinical experience; however, most graduates are not able to fulfill the additional 12 months of clinical experience because they cannot get a job without certification. It is a catch-22 that many graduates who choose to attend a non-accredited program find themselves in. Non-accredited programs will tell potential students that they will be “ARDMS eligible” and, strictly speaking, that may be true. But be sure to find out whether their graduates really are finding jobs for the additional clinical experience they need.

What are some the consequences of attending a non-accredited school?

You may not find a job in your profession. Depending on the profession and the state you live in, you may have difficulty finding a job. Some employers will not hire you unless you attended an accredited institution. If you are enrolled in a non-accredited school, talk to students who graduated recently and ask if they were able to find a job.

You may not be able to attend a four-year or graduate school. It is in your best interest to attend an accredited institution if you plan to further your education. Your acceptance to a four-year or graduate school could be denied because the institution may not recognize courses taken at a non-accredited institution.

You may be wasting your time and money. If you graduate from a non-accredited school and find out you cannot obtain employment, you will have lost valuable time and money to pursue your dream of becoming a health professional.

You may face challenges repaying your student loans. Two thirds of students borrow to pay for college. If you are one of these students, you may have challenges repaying your student loans if you don’t earn enough money or cannot find suitable employment. The increase in borrowing and loan default rates has caused the federal government to create regulations that help ensure that students are getting what they pay for in an academic program and can find a job once they graduate.

Part III of Accreditation Matters will focus on the impact of accreditation on financing a health profession education.