COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC
CNA celebrates accreditation success

Six more programs at College of the North Atlantic (CNA) recently received five-year accreditation from Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC).

The previous accrediting body, Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB), was replaced by the new TAC in 2023. All 15 of CNA's Engineering Technology programs as well as two Natural Resources and Industrial Trades programs previously accredited by CTAB have now been successfully accredited under TAC.

Sonny Hegde, Dean of the School of Engineering, emphasizes the significance of accreditation in assuring the quality and relevance of their programs.

Gabriel Serfert of Brazil is a student in the Welding Engineering Technician program at Burin campus.

"Accreditation ensures that programs offered by CNA meet or exceed predefined standards of quality in terms of curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support services, facilities, and resources," he said. "This assures all stakeholders (students, employers, our community) that the education provided is of high quality and relevance."

Other benefits include transferability of credits, professional licensure and certification and access to financial aid.

"Accredited institutions and programs are eligible for federal financial aid programs, such as grants, loans, and scholarships," he said. "This makes education more accessible and affordable for students pursuing technology degrees."

As a bonus, these programs are also recognized by the International Engineering Alliance under the Sydney Accord, which means CNA graduates will have qualifications that are internationally recognized. This is especially helpful for international students choosing to study at CNA.

"Accreditation under the Sydney Accord enhances the employability of international students, as employers worldwide are more likely to recognize and value qualifications from accredited programs," he said. "This can broaden the range of employment opportunities available to international graduates."

Brent Howell, Dean of Natural Resources and Industrial Trades, said achieving continued accreditation is a noteworthy achievement and is a testimony to the quality of CNA's programs, instructors, facilities, and resources.

"While accreditation through CTAB had existed for quite some time it is reassuring to know that our programs have met and exceeded the requirements established by a new accreditation body," he said. "This recognition will serve our students and graduates well as they exit programs and seek employment. Meeting national accreditation requirements will also assist graduates as they pursue additional postsecondary opportunities. Accreditation plays a key role in facilitating credit mobility opportunities."   

Jennifer Neville, Accreditation Coordinator at CNA, says the accreditation process involves a lot of people working behind the scenes.

"The accreditation process starts with a comprehensive review of our programs. I usually collaborate with the Program Development Office, Office of Institutional Research, the Deans, relevant faculty, and the accreditation board," she said. "The auditors that TAC hires to review our programs are great, they really go the extra step to provide CNA with feedback and opportunities for improvement that really helps improve our programs going forward."

Illustrating the far-reaching benefits of attaining these accreditations, Neville says the benefits for students are huge.

"Obtaining these accreditations gives our graduates more opportunity, gives validity to our programs and ensures they are sufficiently educated and ready for the workplace," she said.

For more information about engineering technology, natural resources, industrial trades and other programs at CNA, visit www.cna.nl.ca.