Founded in 2004, ProTrain College is a virtual Proprietary School dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable education that leads to employment. With a strong belief that education is a life-changing tool, ProTrain collaborates with over 200 colleges and universities to extend their continuing education programs.
The Drive for Accreditation: A Commitment to Growth
ProTrain’s interest in accreditation stemmed from its commitment to continuous progress and an ever-evolving pursuit of excellence. The leadership team saw accreditation as a significant milestone in reinforcing its reputation and strengthening its partnerships. “Accreditation is about proving that we are always striving to improve,” says CEO and School Director Betty Gardner. “It’s not just a recognition of what we’ve done, it’s a commitment to what we will continue to do.” To achieve this goal, ProTrain sought an accreditation body that shared its values of rigor, transparency, and continuous improvement. Known for its thorough yet supportive approach to accreditation, Middle States Association stood out as an ideal partner.
A Collaborative Accreditation Journey
ProTrain’s journey with Middle States was both rigorous and rewarding. The Middle States team provided hands-on support throughout the process, offering clear documentation, virtual consultations, and step-by-step guidance to ensure ProTrain was set up for success. “The level of communication was stellar,” says CIO John Hopkins. “Everything was clearly outlined, and whenever we needed clarification, the Middle States team was quick to jump on a Zoom call and guide us through the next steps.”
One of the most significant advantages of working with Middle States was the tailored support ProTrain received throughout the accreditation process. Rather than following a rigid checklist, the experience was collaborative, ensuring that ProTrain’s unique needs as a virtual institution were understood and addressed. For example, since ProTrain operates entirely online, Middle States adapted the evaluation process to include virtual class observations and interviews, ensuring a thorough but relevant assessment. This flexibility demonstrated Middle States’ commitment to meeting institutions where they are, ensuring accreditation fosters meaningful growth rather than just compliance.
Accreditation with Middle States has reinforced ProTrain’s credibility in the eyes of students, employers, and partner institutions. It has provided validation of the school’s rigorous academic standards, allowing it to confidently showcase its programs and partnerships. “Middle States has allowed ProTrain the opportunity to stand proud and confident, knowing how we operate is substandard to none,” Gardner affirms.
Tangible Benefits for Students and Staff
One particularly tangible benefit of accreditation was securing a .edu domain, which allowed ProTrain to offer students substantial discounts on essential software, including AutoCAD and Adobe programs. Additionally, students and instructors now have access to .edu email addresses, granting them further academic and professional advantages. “These might seem like small things, but they make a big difference for our students,” Hopkins explains. “Access to discounted software and academic email accounts helps them save money and gain access to resources they wouldn’t have otherwise.”
A Lasting Partnership with Middle States
ProTrain’s relationship with Middle States has continued to flourish post-accreditation. The institution has provided expert reviewers for Middle States site visits, further solidifying its role as a model institution within the accreditation network. “We don’t just meet the standard; we’ve become part of the standard,” Gardner says. “Middle States values our expertise, and we’re proud to give back to the accreditation process.”
Michael Schroder, COO and Provost at ProTrain, summarizes the experience: “Validation, reassurance, continuous improvement, and compliance; that’s what Middle States accreditation represents. And when you put those elements together, you get the gold standard – an accreditation that means something, not just to us, but to our students, our partners, and everyone we work with.”
Through accreditation with Middle States, ProTrain has not only strengthened its institutional standing but also empowered its students, partners, and staff to thrive in an ever-evolving education landscape. “At ProTrain, education isn’t just about employment; it’s about transformation,” Gardner concludes. “Middle States accreditation has helped us continue that mission at the highest level possible.”
