Choosing the right career college is a significant step towards achieving your professional goals. If you’re considering Alaska Career College, understanding how their programs work, particularly regarding accreditation and quality assurance, is crucial. This article delves into the workings of Alaska Career College programs, focusing on their accreditation, authorization, and commitment to student success, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your education.
State Authorization: The Foundation of Operation
In Alaska, all postsecondary educational institutions must be authorized to operate by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education. This authorization is a fundamental requirement, ensuring that institutions meet basic standards to function within the state. Alaska Career College has consistently held this authorization since March 1985, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to operating within the regulatory framework of Alaska. Notably, Alaska Career College received an exceptional five-year authorization renewal through 2026, a testament to their consistent adherence to the Commission’s standards and their positive standing within the educational community.
Ms. San Efird, Executive Director of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, highlighted Alaska Career College’s contribution, stating:
Alaska Career College, which has been a well-established and accredited postsecondary educational institution for over 37 years, serving the workforce needs of the Greater Anchorage community and the State of Alaska, has consistently prepared its students for gainful employment, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship for students and our state. I commend their on-going efforts to prepare their students to meet Alaska’s current and future workforce needs.
This extended authorization and commendation from the Alaska Commission underscore the college’s reliability and dedication to providing quality career education relevant to Alaska’s workforce demands.
National Accreditation: A Mark of Quality and Peer Review
Beyond state authorization, Alaska Career College voluntarily pursues national accreditation through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC is a respected, non-profit, independent accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is a member of the Council on Higher Education Accreditations (CHEA). Alaska Career College has maintained ACCSC accreditation since 1987.
Accreditation by ACCSC is a rigorous process involving periodic evaluations by teams of qualified examiners. These teams include subject matter experts and specialists in occupational education and private college administration. This peer-review process ensures that accredited institutions meet or exceed nationally recognized standards of quality.
What does accreditation mean for students?
- Quality Assurance: Accreditation signifies that a college has undergone a thorough review and meets high standards of educational quality, integrity, and ethical practices.
- Institutional Standing: It demonstrates that the institution has earned national standing through a respected voluntary review process.
- Program Approval: Accredited schools offer approved programs of study designed to meet specific academic and professional standards.
- Qualified Faculty and Resources: Accreditation standards require colleges to employ professional faculty and provide adequate facilities and equipment that support the educational objectives of their programs.
- Financial Stability: Accredited institutions must demonstrate financial and organizational stability, ensuring their long-term presence and commitment to the educational community.
For over five decades, ACCSC has been a leading force in promoting quality in postsecondary career education. Choosing an ACCSC-accredited institution like Alaska Career College means choosing a school committed to providing a high-quality educational experience. You can learn more about ACCSC and its standards at their website.
Student Consumer Information and Transparency
Alaska Career College is committed to transparency and adheres to the disclosure and reporting requirements outlined in the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) and the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA). These regulations ensure that colleges participating in federal Title IV programs provide students with essential information.
Disclosure Requirements: Alaska Career College makes information readily available to students and employees, covering various aspects of the college’s operations, programs, and student outcomes.
Reporting Requirements: The college regularly submits data and reports to the U.S. Department of Education, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, ACCSC, and other relevant agencies. This reporting ensures accountability and allows for monitoring of institutional performance.
Graduation and Employment Rates: Demonstrating Student Success
A key measure of a career college’s effectiveness is the success of its graduates in finding employment. Alaska Career College diligently tracks and reports graduation and employment rates to ACCSC and the U.S. Department of Education.
The table below presents the most recent graduation and placement rates from the annual report submitted to ACCSC in October 2021. This data provides valuable insights into the outcomes for students who have completed programs at Alaska Career College.
| Program | Reporting Dates | Graduates | Graduation % | Graduates Avail For Placement | Graduates Placed | Placement % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAS, Business Administration and Computer Technology – Eves** | 7/16 – 6/18 | 1 | 33% | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| AAS, Business Administration and Accounting Technology – Days | 7/18 – 6/19 | 11 | 73% | 11 | 9 | 82 |
| AAS, Business Administration and Accounting Technology – Eves | 7/17 – 6/18 | 6 | 67% | 5 | 5 | 100% |
| AAS, Business Administration and Human Resource Management – Days | 7/18 – 6/19 | 10 | 91% | 10 | 9 | 90% |
| AAS, Business Administration and Human Resource Management – Eves | 7/17 – 6/18 | 4 | 67% | 4 | 4 | 100% |
| Business Office Technology Specialist – Days | 1/19 – 12/19 | 3 | 75% | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| Business Office Technology Specialist – Eves | 7/18 – 6/19 | 0 | NA | 0 | 0 | NA |
| Phlebotomy Technician Specialist | 6/19 – 5/20 | 11 | 85% | 11 | 9 | 82% |
| Medical Assistant Specialist – Days | 1/19 – 12/19 | 86 | 86% | 83 | 71 | 86% |
| Medical Assistant Specialist – Eves | 7/18 – 6/19 | 17 | 57% | 16 | 16 | 100% |
| Medical Insurance Coding and Billing Specialist – Eves | 1/19 – 12/19 | 23 | 82% | 21 | 15 | 71% |
| Therapeutic Massage Specialist – Days**** | 1/19 – 12/19 | 38 | 100% | 37 | 29 | 78% |
| Therapeutic Massage Specialist – Eves**** | 7/18 – 6/19 | 14 | 100% | 12 | 9 | 75% |
| TOTALS | 224 | 83% | 213*** | 179 | 84% |
NA* No graduates during this reporting period**Program is no longer offered at Alaska Career College.***Graduates unavailable for placement include the following categories: death, incarceration, active military service, or the onset of a medical condition that prevents employment.***Therapeutic Massage Specialist Licensure Examination Pass Rate 92%
These statistics demonstrate a strong track record of student success at Alaska Career College, with a total graduation rate of 83% and a placement rate of 84% across various programs.
Student Right to Know and College Navigator
In line with the Student Right to Know Act, Alaska Career College provides prospective and current students with readily accessible information regarding graduation and employment rates. The college also directs interested parties to the College Navigator website, a free consumer information tool provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
For the cohort of students who started between September 1, 2018, and August 31, 2019:
- Total Students: 310
- Total Graduates: 230
- Total Withdrawals: 80
The College Navigator website (www.nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator) offers comprehensive data about schools, assisting students, parents, and counselors in making informed decisions about higher education.
Conclusion: Choosing Quality Career Education in Alaska
Alaska Career College programs are designed to provide students with valuable career skills and knowledge, backed by state authorization and national accreditation. The college’s commitment to quality is further evidenced by its transparent reporting of student outcomes and dedication to meeting the standards of accrediting bodies and regulatory agencies. If you are seeking a career-focused education in Alaska, understanding how Alaska Career College programs work, with their emphasis on accreditation and student success, is a vital part of your decision-making process. By prioritizing accreditation and focusing on student achievement, Alaska Career College stands as a credible option for individuals seeking to advance their careers in Alaska.
