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The career diploma programs seem to be regionally accredited, while the associate degree programs are only nationally accredited. I was particularly eyeing a computer support or a business diploma or degree. Any helpful information on this school would be great. It seems to be more respected than UoP, from my research. I think the College differs from the Career School in terms of accreditation.
Any helpful info? Have any of you attended this school?
EDIT: Please don't waste time replying with the "don't do an online school, go to a junior college" post. That's not what this topic is about.
How much does it cost? Are there other lower-cost alternatives?
They seem to be all under $2200 for a complete program. Almost all the programs are cheaper than my community college, as a matter of fact (compared $8000 at my college to $2400 at Penn Foster). Can't find many lower-cost alternatives.
Quote:
Originally Posted by karen_in_nh_2012
What kinds of jobs do their graduates get? Do they say? How many are working IN THEIR FIELD within a year (or so) of graduation?
They do have a career placement service, though I'm not sure what kind of jobs graduates get. Some of their "success stories" do show that graduates are placed into entry-level or higher positions related to their fields. Not sure how many are there within a year, though. Statistics are few and far between.
As far as accreditation goes: they are DETC accredited, which is recognised by the US Department of Education, and the programs I'm looking at are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, which is the same commission that accredited my high school and my current university (a public, master's level university in eastern Pennsylvania).
Technically, it doesn't really matter if their career diploma and certificate programs are regionally-accredited. It matters that their high school program is, though. The reason why I say this is because you don't earn college credit that can be transferred in their diploma/certificate programs. They will grant you some credits toward their DETC-accredited associate and undergraduate certificate programs from Penn Foster college, however. You can even call Penn Foster and they will tell you that the certificates/diplomas earned at the Penn Foster Career School are pretty much just continuing education credits. Penn Foster is accredited by the Middle States as a postsecondary, non-degree granting institution.
I know you don't want to hear the jr college thing, but you are far, far more likely to land a job with credentials from a jr college program. A jr college may be more expensive in the short term, but your long term return on investment is going to be much larger.
I am currently a student in their CJ program and have almost finished my associates degree with them. I know it's only nationally accredited and an online school but it works quite well for me. I am a somewhat older student that is trying to round out my education and resume. You sound like you're of traditional college age so I agree with the other poster to go to a regular cc and then transfer to a state university in your state. I think that PF serves those that are already established in their careers and need the education but can't go to a bricks and mortar school for whatever reason. Also their vocational courses are very thorough (I've taken two). Of course as thorough as they can be being online/correspondence. Best of luck to you.
My coworker did their Pharmacy Tech training. He showed me the coursework, and it was rigorous and thorough. He can work as a tech with that certificate as soon as he takes the national exam. Actually, the exam is optional in some states, but most employers like to see it.
In many states, schooling is optional for becoming a pharmacy technician. All you need to do is pass the exam and possibly do some on-the-job training after you're hired.
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