Attending a developing program?

[RTR_SLP]

I am looking for some advice.

I've been accepted into a developing program for the Fall of 2015. It's a school with a great reputation in my hometown, which is known for its opprotunity in the medical field. As of right now, the school is still waiting on accredidation from ASHA. They fully intend on getting accredited and starting in the fall; however my acceptance is good for whenever they get accredited (whether it's for Fall 2015, Spring 2016, etc).

My question, if anyone happens to know, do future employers look down on graduates from new programs because they don't have a reputation or is it considered a possible asset to be part of a school's "inaugural cohort"? I have confidence that this program will eventually gain a great reputation, but I don't want to possibly risk my future employment chances.

Edited April 12, 2015 by RTR_SLP

[mr479]

This is just an instinct, but I don't think employers will look down on it at all.  In fact, if you want to stay in your hometown, I imagine many employers will be proud to have staff who graduated from a local university. I know that Jacksonville University, where I'm from, has a new program in its first year of conditional accreditation. Every practice in the area is excited about the new program. I know this because I completed a few of my pre-reqs through JU including my Observation hours which I did at a variety of clinics, hospitals, and private practices in Jacksonville. I think it would be cool to be a part of the inaugural class, especially if it's your hometown. The only reason I didn't apply to be a part of Jacksonville University's inaugural class is because I am interested in working with a very specific population that only 2 or 3 universities offer direct experience with. Otherwise, I would have been honored to be a part of the first graduating class.

[mr479]

Also, this is some info from Jacksonville University on their accreditation status, which is the typical procedure. They had a site visit to see that everything was as it should be and then they became a "candidate" for accreditation. I'm not sure how long candidacy lasts before official accreditation is granted, but this is the way ASHA does it. You kind of have to risk being the guinea pig, but as indicated below, this first class is protected. 

 

Candidacy for Accreditation

The status of Candidacy for Accreditation allowed students enrolled in newly established education programs to be eligible to apply for the CCC upon graduation without penalizing the first class of students graduating from those programs. The CAA's "stepwise" process for new programs seeking candidacy allows new programs to come into compliance with the Standards for Accreditation in a logical sequence while being closely monitored by the CAA. Programs may evolve over time and secure necessary re​sources to administer a quality program.

[CBG321]

Okay I have some insight from what i've heard about a local program that is fairly new in the scheme of things.  The very first year or two people who graduated weren't highered at the school my SLP contact works at because they felt they didn't know enough information.  So for a little while the new program (at least at her school) had a reputation of their interviews not leading to hire in that school district due to lack of knowledge.

 

A few years later they have made some tweaks to the program and it seems their reputation has changed to being a positive one with well prepared students.  

 

So it took a few years for the school's program to really find it's footing.  I'd take a look at where their graduates are working and see if that setting matches where you want to go!  And explore where they are in the process you could either be in the good part of the program or the stumbling part of the program.  

 

I wouldn't have considered this school the first couple years b/c I want to work in the setting that had turned them away.  Now i'd consider them because they've worked hard to improve their image and make sure their graduates know their stuff!

[_byhisgrace]

Does this program happen to be Samford? I too have a set in this program and I am looking for an apartment currently, but have no idea who is in the program as well. I also have no doubt that even though it is developing that we will be able to find a job when we finish . 

[RTR_SLP]

Yes it is Samford! Let me PM you!

[_byhisgrace]

Great! I just created a profile so hopefully you can find me!