You’ve made the decision to further your education at a career school, college, or university. But how do you know the school you are planning to attend will prepare you for your chosen career field? You may meet with admissions, tour the facilities, maybe even see some classes in session, but as a potential incoming student it’s hard to decipher if the overall education will meet your needs.
Thankfully, there are agencies that can help answer this question in the form of accreditation. Accreditation is quality control for institutes of higher education. Standards are set and evaluated regularly. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes independent accrediting agencies that, in turn, assure schools are meeting specific requirements.
Through ongoing school visits and rigorous reviews, accrediting agencies assist in improving programs and ensuring those programs are keeping up with ever-changing industry standards. Some key factors accreditors review include:
- Access to faculty, facilities, and student services
- Quality of instruction and coursework
- Student evaluations to determine faculty expertise in subject matter
In addition, U.S federal student aid is only awarded to students attending schools that have received accreditation from a federally-recognized accreditor.* And some employers may only hire graduates from accredited schools.
Accreditation can be awarded on a National, State, or Programmatic level. When researching schools, review all their accreditations to see how they line up with your chosen career field.
Professional Skills Institute is Institutionally accredited by ABHES – Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, 7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314N., Falls Church, Virginia 22043. http://www.abhes.org/
At the state level, PSI is accredited by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. PSI has been granted state approval to confer the Associate of Applied Science Degrees and program Diplomas. http://scr.ohio.gov/
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Professional Skills Institute is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085. http://www.capteonline.org. Accreditation is active through December 2029.
The Practical Nurse program at PSI has approval by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) through November 2025, 17 South High Street, Suite 660, Columbus, Ohio, 43215-3413. http://www.nursing.ohio.gov.
Your goal is a quality education that prepares you for success in your chosen career field. And accrediting agencies understand the type of faculty, facilities, coursework, and many other factors needed for you to reach your goals. These accrediting bodies enforce quality so you can be confident in your investment. You can learn more about accreditation at Professional Skills Institute by calling 1.800.216.5770 or visiting ProSkills.edu.
*http://studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/students/choosing-schools
