As far as I know, BCNH is the first nutritional therapy college to submit the Evidence File, demonstrating that we meet the fundamental criteria of stage 2 accreditation - the ‘NTC’s 17 Essential Requirements for Accreditation’. Although it has been a long, expensive and laborious process, at the end of the day it has given us a sense of achievement and it has been very worthwhile.
Whilst academically we had very little to do, the most challenging aspects for a relatively small college like BCNH were administrative issues. We have had to put in place various policies and procedures which, I agree, are essential to maintain high standards of professional education and are also crucial to running a business.
The second stage will be an on-site visit by the NTC Visiting Panel. This will entail the Panel observing lectures and clinics and holding discussions with the course team, students and the college management. They will scrutinise samples of key documentation at this stage and the Panel will meet with our team to discuss any issues raised during their visit. This will also be an opportunity for the Panel to explain the likely recommendations that they will be making to the Accreditation Committee, which will then decide whether or not we have passed the stage 2.
Further details are available from NTC Accreditation Handbook, published on the NTC website: –
http://www.nutritionaltherapycouncil.org.uk/Accreditation%20Handbook%20March%202009.pdf
We are cautiously optimistic that the outcome for BCNH will be positive & I look forward to the end of a long and challenging process.
Breda Gajsek
Principal BCNH
