Accreditation sounds like the very least a school can offer. It is the authentication factor that validates a curriculum in relation to its ability to produce professional licensure. In other words, does a nursing degree from a certain university lead to a nursing license in the state where you are trying to work? The answer to that question plays a huge role in determining whether the programme is the right fit for you.
It sounds straightforward, but there are actually some components of accreditation that are a little nuanced. In this article, we take a look at why it matters. Furthermore, we explore why accreditation might not be as straightforward as you might initially assume.
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation matters for the simple reason that a degree from a non-accredited program will not allow you to work in the field you are interested in. This is true in any scenario. A business degree from a non-accredited university, for example, probably won’t help your application stand out.
However, accreditation is of particular importance when it comes to professional careers that involve state and federal government oversight. Nursing, social work, education, and other professions where you need a government-issued license to perform the work are prime examples. In these cases, accreditation is very literally the difference between getting a job and being unemployed.
Accreditation is not necessarily an indication of a programme’s quality, though. It simply means that the school you chose meets a certain set of criteria laid out by the state and federal government.
Understanding Different Types of Accreditation
For many professional careers, there are two basic forms of accreditation: federal accreditation, in which a program is approved by the national government, and local accreditation, in which it is approved by the state government.
It may sound like national accreditation is of greater importance, but that’s not always the case. Any programme that is locally approved is also federally approved, but not vice versa. In other words, a programme that allows you to get a teaching licence in Arizona might not allow you to work in Illinois.
Understanding these accreditation specifications is an important component of remaining compliant and ensuring that you have the credentials you need to get the job you want.
How Do I Know if the Program I’m Interested in Is Regionally Compliant?
It’s relatively straightforward. Most states have clear guidelines available through their accreditation boards. You can go online, enter your field, and look for programs that are compliant with your state law. For example, the Illinois State Board of Education website lists accredited programs that you can choose from.
If a programme is not accredited within your state, it doesn’t mean it isn’t legitimate. It simply means that it’s lacking some component that your area requires for licensure. It’s generally a good rule of thumb that state schools are locally compliant.
For example, if you attend the University of Illinois, you can expect that a teaching, social work, or nursing degree will be regionally compliant.
That said, some states are very permissive while others are very strict. It’s always a good idea to thoroughly research your options down to the programme format. For example, a state may recognise a university’s brick-and-mortar programme. However, it may not recognise its accelerated online alternative.
If you’re having trouble navigating state requirements, you may also consider contacting the guidance office at the school you’re interested in. They should be able to answer your questions and help you understand the regulatory requirements specific to your area.
I Have a Degree from a University That Is Not Accredited in the State I Want to Work In. What Do I Do?
This is actually a reasonably common situation, particularly for people moving from one state to another. It’s inconvenient, but not as bad as it sounds. Just because the programme you graduated from is not regionally accredited in your new state doesn’t necessarily mean you need to start your education over.
In most cases, there are just a few additional regulatory hoops you’ll need to navigate. There might be additional training or higher levels of background-check scrutiny. Alternatively, there could be a course or two that you need to complete. For most people, the delay is small. Moreover, there are often temporary approval mechanisms that allow you to work while you develop your local credentials.
Explore Your Options Carefully
Accreditation did not used to be as big of a concern as it now is. Of course, the government has always regulated education, but for degree seekers, at least, the process of finding a compliant school was generally straightforward.
There were still degree mills that you could get a quote-unquote license from through correspondence, but for the most part, you enrolled at a university, completed your degree, and were ready to go.
Now, with the rise of online education, things are a little trickier. There are hundreds of virtual schools, many of which specifically emphasise their professional programmes. They offer compact and user-friendly learning modules for licensure in education, healthcare, social work, and even more advanced professional services like accounting or law.
With these programs, it is now more important than ever to make sure that the license you are pursuing is locally compliant. These programs are not illegitimate, mostly, but they can be a little more complicated from an accreditation standpoint.
You don’t necessarily need to only look for schools that are accredited regionally. As long as they are nationally accredited, there should be a path forward in your state.
If you are going to pursue a program that is not locally accredited, it is important to have a clear understanding of what additional steps will be required by your state government so that you can work locally while fulfilling the final requirements.
In any case, research is always an important component of the process. Read up on what your state needs of you and also find out more about the programme.
Accreditation Is Key
As mentioned in the introduction, accreditation is kind of the very least you can ask for of a college degree. You also want something that is consistent with your ideal learning format—something that allows you the freedom and flexibility to get a degree while working or fulfilling family obligations.
We live in an age of options. It’s never been easier, or at least more user-friendly, to get a college degree. Don’t let a fear of accreditation hold you back. Empower yourself through research and find the program that fits your goals and your lifestyle requirements. Believe us, it’s out there.
