Accreditation is awarded to ensure the institutions meet acceptable standards of quality. Specific accrediting agencies are recognized by the Department of Education. There are three main types of accreditation: Regional, National, and Specialized.
Regional accreditation, awarded from one of six regions in the US, focuses on academic theory for a full range of degrees while national accreditations generally focus on operational/technical skills. Specialized accreditation can be applicable to students with career paths that require board certification or licensure – for example nurses, teachers, or social workers.
Choosing the correct type of accreditation and school is important for transferability of credits for follow-on studies and to be competitive for future employment opportunities.
You can discuss accreditation at your next counseling appointment with a NCVEC Counselor.