Ever wonder about those schools that advertise on daytime TV? Can you compare traditional American colleges to schools that say they will prepare you for a career in just a few months? As it turns out, you can. Francis Giglio, director of Enhancement for the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), the accrediting body for many of these schools, offers some insights into the nature of these institutions.
The Career School Niche
Career institutions are similar to traditional colleges and community colleges in some ways, yet have a niche all their own. The ACICS works with "independent, nonpublic career schools, colleges and organizations." That means none of these institutions are overseen by a state's board of governors or enjoy state tax funding. According to Giglio, "the majority of these schools are for-profit. Some are publicly traded, some are privately held, and a few of them are nonprofit."
The key qualifier for a career school is its mission -- preparing students for specific careers. The education offered is very practical. Most of the majors offered are skill-focused, such as accounting, information technology and drafting. Success is defined by placement of students in jobs after graduation, and the track record those students establish in their jobs. Like community colleges, career institutions are bly linked to local interests. Part of the criteria for ACICS accreditation is that schools work with local businesses to create their curriculum, notes Giglio.
Many programs at career institutions are two-year or associate's degrees. There are also bachelor's and even master's degrees available. Among ACICS accredited institutions, Giglio says career schools follow the "same credit requirements and requirements of faculty members" as an academic college or university.
Look for Accreditation
Career schools are accredited just like nonprofit colleges and universities, and the ACICS is approved by the US Department of Education (DOE). According to Giglio, "There's a tremendous amount of federal funding (for education) and accreditation is a way the Department of Education can have oversight of educational quality."
Schools not accredited by a DOE-approved agency may have a license to operate, but their students may not benefit from Federal financial aid money.
Other reasons for accreditation include:
- Fulfilling company requirements for educational reimbursement.
- Transferring credits from other institutions.
- Helping employers rate the value of an applicant's or employee's education.
- Qualifying graduates for licensing/certification exams.
Why Choose a Career School?
- Career-Oriented Mission: If the education you need is to prepare you for a career, these schools may be the right place for you.
- Focused Education: Career institutions provide a very practical education. Working closely with businesses to fulfill local needs, these institutions can help you find a job in your immediate geographic area.
- School and business networking opportunities: Career institutions often provide an intimate atmosphere. "I think the things that attract students are smaller classrooms, real-life training and more accessibility to people," says Giglio. "Most of these institutions are housed in one building. You are in contact with the people who run the school every day."
Finding a Career School
Follow these steps to research schools and their reputations:
- Start by locating the institutions in your area that provide an education in your field of interest.
- Check to see if these schools are accredited, and if the accreditation information is up to date.
- Visit the school and ask questions. Inquire about business contacts in the community and past graduates' placement rates. Ask for contact information for past graduates and ask them about their experiences.
- Use the ACICS web site to search for ACICS accredited schools by area or interest.
Three Colleges, Three Missions
Compare the mission statements of these three institutions to get an idea of how they view the role of education.
University of Texas, Austin: From teaching to research to public service, the university's activities support its core purpose: "To transform lives for the benefit of society through the core values of learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity and responsibility."
Austin Community College: This is an educational institution committed to challenging the human mind to explore new ideas and seek new opportunities. The college's mission is "to provide a wide range of high-quality educational services that meet the needs of our willing partners in learning, both those who seek our services and those whom we must seek out."
American Commercial Colleges, Texas: The objective of the diploma programs at ACC is twofold: "To prepare the student with the necessary skill competencies required for employment in today's job market and the preparation for 'employer recognized-industry sponsored' certification credentials."
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