Posted on May 7, 2015
Online Bachelors and Masters: Are these degrees respected?
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I'm having trouble finding any recent opinions regarding this topic.
In my situation, I'm considering going to school to become a Healthcare Administrator. My most affordable solutions seem to be online schools, since I won't have to quite my full-time job, and I'll be able start classes and manage my workload more easily.
However, the question of accreditation comes up. From what I've read, this is a BIG deal in the healthcare industry. Though I'm currently working in healthcare now, my job is dead-end and doesn't sufficiently educate one to move up into an administrative role.
Basically my question is: if I were to earn my masters in healthcare administration through an online university that is only regionally accredited, will I have wasted my time, or will I move into the roles I'm seeking?
Does this principal apply to all degrees and certificates earned online, or programs that are only regionally accredited, as opposed to a popular, nationally recognized agency (like CAHME)?
In my situation, I'm considering going to school to become a Healthcare Administrator. My most affordable solutions seem to be online schools, since I won't have to quite my full-time job, and I'll be able start classes and manage my workload more easily.
However, the question of accreditation comes up. From what I've read, this is a BIG deal in the healthcare industry. Though I'm currently working in healthcare now, my job is dead-end and doesn't sufficiently educate one to move up into an administrative role.
Basically my question is: if I were to earn my masters in healthcare administration through an online university that is only regionally accredited, will I have wasted my time, or will I move into the roles I'm seeking?
Does this principal apply to all degrees and certificates earned online, or programs that are only regionally accredited, as opposed to a popular, nationally recognized agency (like CAHME)?
College
Education
Employment
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 39
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The power of a degree is dependent upon the person evaluating it and you as a potential employee. I have come across many managers that feel a candidate is not worth the time if they do not have a degree from a major university. This is the narrow mind of those that have all of the book smarts in that one needs, and in some instances more. However, they lack the intellectual common sense to find their way out of a paper bag. The candidate that understands this and can figure out how to get around it is the most likely to get the position.
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I don't know enough to vote because I haven't been in the health care business for a long time. However, make sure the programs you are looking at are accredited by the same body that does the in-house ones. A body that just accredits on-line institutions should be a red flag. They are likely established by the on-liners and have some conflict of interest. In my case as an Engineer, only an ABET EAC credential counts. Look for the dominant credentialing body and go from there. At that point, the how you do it shouldn't matter.
So many programs have been on-line for enough years that the percentage of the HCA input is rising and the stigma of on-line has been decreasing over the years.
Also take a look at the other things you need to do besides the on-line piece to fully complete a program e.g. internship, externship, etc. The outside work does more to get you a job than just electronic book learning.
So many programs have been on-line for enough years that the percentage of the HCA input is rising and the stigma of on-line has been decreasing over the years.
Also take a look at the other things you need to do besides the on-line piece to fully complete a program e.g. internship, externship, etc. The outside work does more to get you a job than just electronic book learning.
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It really depends on where the degree is from. You need to check the accreditation of the institute. If they are not accredited, your degree will be laughed at as "just a printed piece of paper". However, if they ARE accredited, the degree will hold some pull with other institutions as credits will xfer or count towards degrees from another institution.
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SPC (Join to see) Please take the time to look at some of this investigative reporting. It is written about Florida but has more broad implications.
Be Positive of accreditation, consider non-profit schools, many big schools are beginning to offer online versions (like University of North Carolina)
http://pubsys.miamiherald.com/static/media/projects/2015/higher-ed-hustle/index.html
Be Positive of accreditation, consider non-profit schools, many big schools are beginning to offer online versions (like University of North Carolina)
http://pubsys.miamiherald.com/static/media/projects/2015/higher-ed-hustle/index.html
Higher-Ed Hustle | A Miami Herald investigation into Florida's for-profit college industry
While other states have reined in for-profit colleges caught defrauding students, Florida seems bent on embracing the schools no matter what.
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I would go to a nationally accredited online program. You may never have time to attend full time. I've done both and I find sitting in a classroom boring which is counterproductive. Currently I am a student at liberty university as an online student. It really depends on the reputation of the school. Your degree from online courses is identical to the in class degree so who cares? Also Liberty University gives you a $100 book voucher per class which adds up. They are very military friendly.
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SPC Nathan Freeman
Yes, thank you. I meant I would not go to a regionally accredited school. TSgt Joshua Copeland
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SPC Jay Hefty
Accreditations are funny things. It really depends on the standards and the vigilence to uphold standards. The regional system is tried and true to make sure colleges teach you to think. They look at the scope and breadth of not just majors but also the foundational elements in a bachelor or master level degree. Where national bodies are concerned about building students with subject matter expertise. Both are important.
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This is a loaded question. In nursing, it is very much dependent on WHO/WHICH SCHOOL you go through... There are some schools that are considered puppy mills..... going through a few motions and cutting you a degree. If you go through a school that also has a brick and mortar school, it is much more respected from what I have seen. Name goes a long way..... if you take online classes from Harvard (if they have it) vs. from Grand Canyon University, I know which one will be more respected.... Grand Canyon is one of those that are edging towards the "puppy mill"..... It is all about researching the program, knowing what you want out of it, and being methodical about your selections. All this will truly determine if you would have been better off saving your money, low end return, well respected...but don't count on ever being QUITE as powerful as a full degree from Harvard!!
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TSgt Joshua Copeland
Maj Chris Nelson, Harvard does have online programs AND even participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
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Maj Chris Nelson
THAT is pretty cool! Not totally surprising! I would still suspect that the online Harvard degree would be a tick mark LESS respected then the brick/mortar degree (but that would be dependent on IF they identify that the degree was online or not!).
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I personally got my B.S and MBA online and have never had an issue finding a job. In fact, employers look at my experience and certifications harder than they do where I graduated from. Going to school online is the norm for many and even Harvard University offers online degrees (Google Harvard Extension School).
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Do your research, the degree to be recognized must be regionally and nationally accredited and don't take the school site at face value. Go to edu.gov or search for regionally and national accreditation sites. My under grad was through AMU both regionally and nationally accredited, I am now in a masters program through UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio). My undergrad was recognized due to accreditation .
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The best way to find out how respected he University or College is would be to ask. I am currently in healthcare as well and before starting my current classes I checked with the HR department to see if the University was on the accepted list for reimbursement. If the University wasn't then odds are they look down on the accreditation.
But having a degree is much better than not having a degree, more and more employers are changing the requirements of jobs to having the degree with a minimum of a 2 year and experience just to get in the door.
But having a degree is much better than not having a degree, more and more employers are changing the requirements of jobs to having the degree with a minimum of a 2 year and experience just to get in the door.
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SPC (Join to see)
Thanks for the help. Now I just have to figure out what sort of experience is valued for these types of positions in particular. Another question to ask those I might be hired by. Somehow, I doubt handling the archived records for a home health clinic would be sufficient on its own.
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