Stratford Career Institute

• Course Offerings
• Location Flexibility
• Course Completion Timeframe
• Simple Application Process

Course Offerings

There is no shortage of distance learning courses you can take through the correspondence school. The list of 62+ courses can be found on the institution's website and includes studies in a number of useful disciplines and subjects. Anything from forensic science to plumbing and a host of areas in between is available. Whatever your interest is, you're likely to find a course of study that suits your desired knowledge and skillset. Categories include the following: 

• Accounting
• Auto mechanics
• Business management
• Computer training
• Cooking and catering
• Drug and alcohol treatment specialist
• Early childhood education
• Electrician 
• Funeral service education 
• Medical billing specialist
• Legal assistant and paralegal services
• Natural health consultant
• Small engine repair 

A notable omission from Stratford's course offerings is any certifications in the dental field. 

Location Flexibility

Going back to school or finishing what you started but didn't complete for whatever reason is a noble endeavor. However, doing it isn't as easy as it may sound. Not everyone has the flexibility and resources to spend hours a day in a classroom. Work and family obligations are barriers to this. But with Stratford Career Institute, your classroom is your living room (or whatever location you choose). The institute allows you to complete coursework where you're comfortable without having to be confined to a schoolroom. 

Course Completion Timeframe

A lot of online and distance learning programs are intense and super-condensed into tight time frames. Six-, four- and even two-week courses are not uncommon. With Stratford Career Institute, you can take your time if necessary. Likely, you have demanding job requirements and family commitments. So with Stratford, you can take a course of your choice and spend the time you need. Usually, you can take up to two years to complete the course. But, if you're a fast worker or simply want to get through the course quickly and move on to other things, that's fine too. Take the time that suits you best. 

Simple Application Process

Enrolling in a course is simple. The application process can be done online and can be completed in minutes and with a down payment of $20 or less. Within no time, you can be taking the first module of the course of your choice.

Most notable with Stratford is its open entrance policy. The organization says that any adult who feels that they have the potential and capability to benefit from a program should be given the opportunity, so you don't have to worry about impressing admissions officers with your resume including past vocational training or a degree. As a general rule, though, students should have a minimum of eight years of formal schooling. 

• Cost
• Not Accredited
• May Be Too Flexible for Some Students 

Cost

Most certifications and courses are costly despite not being accredited. If you figure at a college or university, a full load is typically three or four courses per semester, it's easy to see that the cost of Stratford courses can be considered pricey. Plus, Stratford does not participate in government-sponsored student loan programs so you can't finance your course with those. However, Stratford does offer monthly payment plans with 0% interest. 

Not Accredited 

Stratford has no accreditation from any certified national or regional accreditation body. Generally, this means that any college or university will not recognize your diploma or certification. So, essentially, your course certification can be for your own personal satisfaction or simply for additional knowledge that may help you forge your own path in your current field or future career.

Any credits will most likely not transfer to a college or university. Other distance learning institutions may accept transfer credits, but that is solely up to the institution's discretion. If you are looking for an accredited opportunity to further your education via traditional college admissions, Stratford is not the best choice. 

May Be Too Flexible For Some Students

The flexibility Stratford offers can easily be considered a negative, too. Unless you are a go-getter, self-starter, and self-motivator, the lax completion time guidelines can make it difficult to finish the work. It would be so easy for the average person to procrastinate or even completely set aside the work until it is too late. Distance educational programs aren't for everyone, so before enrolling make sure it will be worth it for you.