Not all colleges are created equal. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Education, schools can vary greatly when it comes to the quality and character of their programs.1 This is because they are free to create their own curriculums, make their own hiring decisions, and design their own programs. So how can you be sure the school you pick is up to par?
The answer is accreditation. Its goal is to ensure that higher education institutions meet acceptable quality standards. Accreditation gives students confidence that their education will be valuable, comprehensive, and recognized by employers and other institutions. There are different types of accreditation, and it's important to understand them. In this guide, we'll cover the differences between institutional and programmatic accreditation, explain why accreditation matters, and provide some useful information about American Career College’s accreditation.
What Does Institutional Accreditation Mean?
Institutional accreditation is a status granted to an entire educational establishment, meaning the accrediting body has reviewed and approved the school as a whole. This process evaluates the overall quality and effectiveness of the institution, including its governance, mission, resources, student support services, and more. Institutionally accredited schools have met or exceeded certain standards of quality.
What Is Programmatic Accreditation?
Programmatic accreditation focuses on specific programs within a school. Think of it as a specialized stamp of approval from experts in fields like nursing, surgical technology, dental assisting, and more. These accrediting bodies closely evaluate each program to ensure they provide students with a quality education that preps them for their careers. They look at everything from the curriculum and faculty qualifications to graduation rates and job placements.
Why Accreditation Matters
Choosing a school? Picking an accredited college should be at the top of your checklist. Here's why it’s so important:
- Quality Assurance: Accreditation ensures your education meets or even exceeds accepted quality standards. It's peace of mind for you and your future employers.
- Financial Aid Eligibility: Only students at accredited schools can get federal financial aid. Since ACC is accredited and meets the U.S. Department of Education's criteria, we can offer federal financial aid to those who qualify. Chat with one of our financial aid advisors to see if you’re eligible.
- Employment Opportunities: Employers often prefer, and in some cases require, degrees or diplomas from an accredited college. It shows you've obtained a certain level of education and competency.
The importance of accreditation cannot be overstated as it can make a huge difference in your educational journey and career prospects. Not sure if a school is accredited? You can check here.
American Career College’s Commitment to Accreditation
At American Career College, we value accreditation because we believe in providing our students with top-tier training. We’ve been institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) since 1983. That’s over four decades of meeting or exceeding professional quality standards. This means employers take our graduates seriously.
Beyond our institutional accreditation, many of our programs also have specialized accreditation or state approval. This ensures that each program meets industry-specific standards and prepares you well for your career. For example, our Vocational Nursing program is approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT), and our Dental Assisting program is approved by the Dental Board of California (DBC). Check out our full list of programmatic accreditations and approvals.
Choosing a school is a big decision, and understanding accreditation can help you make an informed choice. At American Career College, our commitment to accreditation means you can trust the quality and relevance of the education you receive.
If you have any questions about accreditation or about ACC in general, we would love to help! Schedule a tour today and begin your journey to a brighter future!
