A question we get asked often here at the IPSP is if our program is “Accredited”. When discussing accredited sleep consultant certification programs it is important to note that currently there is no government recognized organization that issues accreditation for sleep consulting certification.
Wait… there are no accredited sleep consultant programs?
Sleep consulting is a private and non-medical coaching service, therefore THERE IS NO ACCREDITATION process for ANY SCHOOL. It is not not possible and not necessary to gain accreditation. If a school promises you this, this should be a huge red flag as it is simply not possible to be an accredited program.
We believe in full-transparency at the Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting, using fancy words to mislead our students is dishonest and quite frankly, it’s illegal. You can read more about that and how to spot fake accreditation here on the United States Department of Education website.
With that being said, the IPSP does believe in maintaining a high level of standards when it comes to pediatric sleep and parenting education for our students. For this reason, we are approved by the International Institute of Complementary Therapists as a training provider.
What is an Approved Training Provider?
This means the IPSP was approved by a 3rd party, unbiased organization as a training provider. The International Institute of Complementary Therapists conducts this approval process by reviewing the school, programs offered and requires documentation of the necessary criteria and requirements. The IICT maintains the integrity of the industry and ensures students are well prepared to enter the marketplace as a practitioners. Therefore the process of approving a Training Provider is thorough and can take 6 – 8 weeks.
The IPSP® has received and maintained its Approved Training Provider status every single year since, and we have now received a seal of excellence.
Misleading Programs
It is important to note that a 3rd party, unbiased approval as the one issued by the IICT is extremely important, as some schools are approving their own programs. In other words the same person that created the program, is also the same person putting a “stamp of approval” on their own program as well as other programs for monetary compensation. They use a different name, so this is masked, and say the program is “approved”. This is misleading and unethical. It is important to do your research, and find out exactly who is approving the program. Are they a 3rd party? Are they completely unbiased?
How to Spot a Fake “Accredited” Sleep Consultant Program
Using the terms like “Accredited” or “Nationally Accredited”
Approving their own program using a different name/organization
How to Spot a Fake Sleep Consultant Accrediting Organization
Claiming applicants can use terms like “Accredited” or “Nationally Accredited”
Approving programs for monetary compensation without the proper credentials to be an 3rd party, unbiased organization.
Creating a fake application process to approve programs
Claiming it is necessary to be “approved” or “accredited”
Here at the IPSP we believe in transparency, honesty, and integrity. We have a high standard of ethics in place for our institute. We also believe our potential students and current students should have the most accurate and up to date information. We don’t need to use fancy words to attract students. Would we like to say we are “accredited”? Sure it sounds great, but it’s misleading and illegal.
We discuss legal issues throughout the course, to make sure every student stays clear of liability. We even have an expert lesson in the course from a high profile attorney.
As a registered nurse myself, I know exactly what can happen when you don’t play by the rules. I teach this and everything necessary to become and remain a highly respected certified sleep consultant in the community.
~ Violet Giannone, RN
Founder, Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting®
