Free University, University of the People, is Now DETC Accredited!

[sanantone]

I know the DETC is a national accrediting agency that is listed with the Dept of Education and while I recognize that they are legitimate, I do question their usefulness for many degree seekers. But as it was pointed out before, there are tons of people that would have no negative repercussions from graduating from a NA school.

I might even be enticed to do a masters program or even a second bachelors program at UOTP since the cost is so worthwhile. I'm sure the kinks will eventually be worked out and I will recommend this program to those whom might be benefited by it. Now if only they will work out the kinks to allow me to take the PA program at U of W at Madison!! Austin has teaching hospitals, I'm sure finding a preceptor wouldn't be an insurmountable hurdle.

If one is looking to shorten the time it takes to get a higher level of TCOLE certification, then a degree from UOTP would be useless. But, I was seriously considering getting a second bachelors in computer science. The IT industry doesn't really care about NA vs. RA if they even know what those are in the first place.

Have you looked into UT's alternate-entry MSN? IIRC, the program takes about 3 years to complete full-time. They are very flexible with what they'll accept as prerequisites. The downside is that the only practitioner concentration offered is in family psych/mental health. You can always go back to complete another concentration or complete a certificate by distance at another school, but that would add a lot more time and expense.
Graduate Degree Programs | School of Nursing | The University of Texas at Austin
http://www.utexas.edu/nursing/docs/acade...isites.pdf

[cookderosa]

I know the DETC is a national accrediting agency that is listed with the Dept of Education and while I recognize that they are legitimate, I do question their usefulness for many degree seekers. But as it was pointed out before, there are tons of people that would have no negative repercussions from graduating from a NA school.

The only reason I even brought it up is because there is an absolute difference between accredited and nationally accredited, and lots of people here still learning the differences. UOTP is nationally accredited, thus fully legit, so I don't think it should land in the VERY REAL category of unaccredited. I come from a field that doesn't know the dif between NA/RA, so I learned the difference the hard way (wanting to return to school) so there are limitations to be sure. That said, if I were not in academia, I wouldn't give two cents more for a degree RA vs NA all other things being equal. But again, I'm an adult with a good understanding of what I need and the utility/limits of various programs.

[IrishJohn]

Pity they don't go for ACE or NCCRS approval. Either would make these courses very worthwhile at the Big 3 at least...

[jasper]

mark it , and will read it later

[bjcheung77]

mark it , and will read it later

hilarious Zombie thread! I would recommend reviewing a RA institution such as the Big 3 instead (unless you're an illegal immigrant).
The utility of the NA degree's aren't as high or recognized as are the RA institutions. You may want to reconsider, but no harm in looking.