Accreditation withdrawn for Kaplan College's $42,000 radiography program

On Dec 20, 2011 a letter was sent to Kaplan College in North Hollywood California informing them that accreditation for their radiography certificate program was being involuntarily withdrawn by JRCERT, the national accrediting body for radiography training programs. Kaplan was one of only 5 programs in 2011 to be subject to involuntary withdrawal of accreditation.

According to the letter, withdrawal was based upon failure to document compliance with 2011 standards for an accredited educational program in radiography.

This included lack of assurance that the program has a published pregnancy policy that is consistent with established federal policy and applicable state laws and is made known to accepted and enrolled female students.

This also included lack of assurance that the program safeguards the health and safety of students associated with educational activities through implemented policies and procedures in regard to workplace hazards, harassment,communicable diseases and substance abuse.

An accreditation specialist at JRCERT stated by phone that Kaplan has appealed the withdrawal of accreditation, and they will maintain the accreditation until the appeals process is complete.

According to the letter of withdrawal “The program is encouraged to notify current students and applicants to the program of this action”.

Kaplan College in North Hollywood was called to inquire about the program. One representative stated they do not know if it is accredited, another person stated JCERT suspended accreditation and the program is said to be under review.

Kaplan does continue to advertise the radiology program on line, and advertise it as accredited by JRCERT,  failing to disclose the involuntary withdrawal of accreditation as instructed by  JRCERT.

A review of accredited programs on JRCERT’s website indicates total program cost for a two year associates degrees at most non profit schools ranges from about $3,000 – $15,000.

Incredibly at Kaplan College the total cost for a two year certificate program is $42,000. A certificate is generally considered a lesser credential than an associate degree. Interestingly, at nearby LA City College, the cost of a 2 year associate of science degree in radiography is priced at $2,000 according to JRCERT’s website.

www.jrcert.org/pdfs/Kaplan_Award_Letter.pdf

http://www.jrcert.org/cert/results.jsp

http://www.jrcert.org/cert/View.jsp?pid=0503