| Online post-secondary schools are becoming more | | | | online degree. If the school is accredited by the |
| prevalent every day. There are numerous ads on | | | | Accrediting Commission of the DETC, the school will |
| television, advertisements in newspapers and pop-up | | | | have the DETC logo prominently displayed on their |
| ads that offer school information on the Internet. | | | | website with contact information. |
| Distance education is a main source of getting a | | | | Second, determine what memberships the school has |
| college education today. The main thing to keep in mind | | | | or trade associations it belongs to. For example, if you |
| if you are interested in furthering your education via | | | | are studying to become a medical transcriptionist, it |
| distance education is to choose online degrees from | | | | would be important that your school be a member of |
| an accredited school. | | | | the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity |
| There are many schools offering online degrees. And | | | | (AHDI). Research the area that you are interested in |
| there are even more offering certificate programs. | | | | and see what associations and memberships are |
| How do you make an informed choice? To find out | | | | important to your chosen field. Then check to see if |
| which one you want to attend, you have to be willing | | | | your school is a member of that association. |
| to conduct research and not be afraid to ask | | | | Choosing an accredited school ensures that you are |
| questions. Do not rely solely on information that you | | | | receiving the highest standards available in the |
| receive from a representative when you call. Some | | | | education industry. It's an assurance that the staff, |
| schools offer degrees and diplomas that are not | | | | online degree programs, admissions policy and more |
| legitimate or recognized by other schools and | | | | have been evaluated and determined to be worthy of |
| employers. You need to know what to look for when | | | | an accredited school. |
| making your decision. | | | | Online degrees from accredited schools also offer |
| First, you want to ensure that the school is accredited. | | | | other advantages. Schools that are accredited can |
| Unfortunately, there are many different types of | | | | offer financial assistance and accept military tuition |
| accreditation and not all of them are equal. You want | | | | assistance for qualified applicants and degree |
| to ensure that your online degree comes from a | | | | programs. Receiving an online degree from an |
| school that is accredited by an organization recognized | | | | accredited school also gives weight to job applications |
| by the U.S. Department of Education. | | | | and interviews. You want a reputable school and |
| The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) is | | | | degree program standing behind you – the higher |
| an example of an accrediting organization. The DETC | | | | quality the school, the more likely your chances are of |
| is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a | | | | securing a job and advancing your career. |
| nationally recognized accrediting agency. As defined | | | | The quality of your education starts with an accredited |
| by the DETC, accreditation, "assures students that the | | | | school. If investing in your education is worth your time |
| institution operates on a sound financial basis, has an | | | | and your money, then it is worth conducting research |
| approved program of study, qualified instructors, | | | | before you begin to choose the right education |
| adequate facilities and equipment, approved | | | | provider. Online degrees from accredited schools will |
| recruitment and admissions policies, and advertises its | | | | help you achieve your goals and your dreams – |
| courses truthfully." This is the kind of assurance you | | | | you'll have the right school standing by your side every |
| should look for when considering a school for your | | | | step of the way. |