The Government Warns Prospective Students:

Pitfalls Not Always Easily Recognized

Government and state agencies across the USA along with Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a private, nonprofit, national organization that coordinates accreditation activity in the United States, and various consumer protection agencies warn that along with the boom of new schools and distance education programs come certain pitfalls not always easily recognized by the unsuspecting consumer.

Be an Informed Consumer

Being a smart consumer pays off when choosing vocational training programs especially online. Consumers can always check with the BBB Online website first. The information in a BBB Reliability Report is believed reliable, but not guaranteed as to accuracy. However, to demonstrate the importance of doing a BBB search before signing up for any educational program here is a little exercise.

Example:

    Let's say you are interested in an online course similar to the one below...

St. Augustine Medical Assistant School
Advertised on Google AdWord as an accredited, convenient and affordable Online Distance Education Program, that states on their website that students may take the Medical Assistant exam online as often as needed to earn a passing grade.

  

... then you should take a moment to check with available resources, such as the Better Business Bureau, or other similar websites.

Better Business Bureau Rating...

Business Name	BBB Rating
St. Augustine Educational Service
The above information and links are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment.

 

You can also always check on any business, service provider, or school by name at RipOffReports.com and ConsumerAffairs.com.

So, What Does this Mean to YOU?

It means that when a web site uses words such as best, fast, certified, and accredited, it may, or may not automatically mean that learners will receive the education they hoped to get. The words best and fast do not necessarily mean any customer's  concerns, or complaints will be addressed in that manner, should they arise. As a matter of fact, these words may not mean anything at all. Check out the excellent article titled: Online Medical Assistant Programs - Is It Accredited? by Deni Edwards.

What does it mean to employers? The present job market is flooded with medical assistants that hold all sorts of certificates and diplomas from campus schools to online programs. As employers are becoming aware of the certain tactics some cyber schools use to lure in as many online learners as possible they develop better ways to screen their applicants.

Holding a gold lettered certificate of completion from an unknown online course that is not recognized by employers will make landing your dream job more difficult, not easier. Therefore, heed the government's warning and be a smart consumer.