In regards to Clayon college, I did complete a degree course through them several years ago (Doctor of Naturopathy course). And before going any further, I will state that I also have degrees from "brick and mortar" schools, plus several courses taken from DETC accredited online schools. Honestly, other than Clayton not having the US Dept. of Education accreditation, the actual coursework and education I received was equal to, if not more intensive than what I received from the accredited schools, particularly the online DETC accredited school. I know most will probably not believe me when I state that, but its true.
I won't name the online DETC accredited school in order to be fair to them, but their coursework was a joke compared to what was required of me to do with Clayton College. In regards to this, something is terribly wrong with the idea of accreditation in the first place, as this should not be the case. But it is, and I can prove it.
I went to Clayton, looking for an education about natural health, rather than for whom they were or were not accredited by. (I lost my career in law enforcement due to an illness acquired while serving in the US Army during the Gulf War era, vaccination related.). I was seeking to learn about natural healing methods to help me with my own illness and that is what I found.
I dont work for Clayton, nor do I wish to sound like a commercial, because it doesn't hurt me one way or the other if anyone does or does not attend the school. But, I did want to share my opinion regarding the fact that I often hear Clayton called an outright scam or diploma mill. By legal definition, to be called one or both of the above, you would just about have to be able to write them a check and receive a diploma in the mail a week later, which is what alot of schools do that are actually diploma mills.
In order to be called a scam, you would have to pay your tuition and then the school would have to NOT provide what they promised you. Clayton is upfront with everyone about the fact that they are "accredited" by private agencies and not by the Dept. of Education. Its up to the potential student whether they wish to still take the courses for education purposes or for the fact that they are looking for a piece of paper that is certified by a certain agency for one reason or the other.
If it is an accredited alternative medicine degree that you wish to obtain, I would suggest going to one of the 4 year accredited Naturopathic Medicine Schools such as Bastyr University. They teach the medical branch of Naturopathy and Clayton only teaches the traditional form of Naturopathy, which does not involve the practice of medicine. Accreditation is quite different when dealing with the two schools of Naturopathy.
In summary, I think everyone should do their research before applying to any school. And, if anyone still thinks that Clayton college is a diploma mill, I would challenge them to attempt to write them a check and simply "order" their Naturopathy degree. I think you will find that the label "diploma mill" is quite the opposite in their case, considering that it took me over two years to complete one of their courses and I was moving fairly fast.
And finally, let me state again that it doesn't bother me one way or the other what anyone thinks of Clayton college as I am just a former student that is satisfied with the learning that I received from them and not anyone who benefits from a review at all. But, to the original poster, if it is a Naturopathic Education that you seek, I would definately look at one of the accredited naturopthic medical schools listed by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education. Their website is at (((Redacted))) They also provide some insight in the difference between accredited natural medicine schools and "traditional" naturopathy schools such as Clayton. Best of luck either way.
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