How important is it to attend an accredited program in order to practice in the field?
Accreditation ensures that an educational program measures up to standards developed by a national consensus of professionals in the field. A degree from an accredited program assures prospective employers that a graduate has undertaken a course of professional preparation that meets or exceeds the national criteria established by the profession for entry into the field; hence the degree is more marketable. Periodically, professionals in the field update the educational standards to ensure that the accredited programs reflect the current training needs for the profession. The student, as a consumer, can be reasonably assured that an accredited program has appropriate resources and operational policies, and that the program includes the knowledge and skills necessary for entry into the field. The accreditation process, which is undertaken voluntarily, is evidence that an attitude and philosophy of educational quality predominates. Only graduates of accredited baccalaureate programs are
