Why It Is Important To Only Pursue An Accredited Health Program

By Maria Taylor


Are you a health practitioner or are aspiring to be one? Then, your main concern should be the courses you will take and whether they are accredited. Accreditation gives an institution, university or college the mandate to offer a course. Through accreditation, you can advance your professional stature. An accredited health program has thus been approved by regional bodies, national regulators and even the community.

The process of accreditation is regarded as evaluation or assessment by an independent body. It involves assessing the merits and weaknesses of a course. Through the process of accreditation, you can ascertain that necessary standards for trainers, the environment and content have been met. As such, the course or institution has fulfilled the requirements of the checks and balances put in place.

Accreditation institutions are third parties charged with the mandate or provided with the criteria to be met in offering the courses. The institution is neutral in the sense that it does not have any conflict of interest. The depth and breath of the course are assessed, number of professors, the institution of study, etc. The accreditation body is formed by peers in the industry but they must not have any association with the school.

The process can be considered as a rubber stamp in the sense that it depends on the opinion of reviewing team on the performance indicators given by the regulator. The agencies are private and have no relationship with the government apart from the fact that they are recognized. The school takes voluntary accreditation to gain insight into the quality of their programs. They will have advice and suggestions on areas that they can improve.

An institution uses the opportunity to boost its confidence and that of the public in what they are offering. Students have more concerns and benefits by taking a course that is accredited. Institutions and individuals sponsoring education insist on accreditation before they can fund. The government cannot fund a program with no accreditation and recognition by the Department of Education.

A student may need to transfer to another institution. If both institutions have accreditation, the process of transfer will be seamless. There will be no need to repeat the course or waste both time and money. You do not have to abandon your course once you move to another state or county.

Practice licenses are only issued to persons who have taken courses with necessary accreditation. It is especially important with professions like nursing, massage, physiotherapy, etc that touch on the lives of people directly. You will find it nearly impossible to get clients without necessary licenses, which are only issued for courses with accreditation.

The job market has high regard for professionals with accreditation. Many people seeking health services want proof that you are trained and will handle their bodies well. In the absence of accreditation and consequently a license, it will be difficult to get clients. The process shows that you are serious about the profession you will be engaged. The Department of Education and health regulatory authorities have lists of courses and institutions that are accredited.




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