Skip to main content

Accreditation

Are the online mental health counseling programs at AIC accredited?

American International College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The curricula in the MA in CMHC and the EdD in MHC are aligned with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP) to prepare you for licensure in most states. (Students are responsible for ensuring they meet all state licensing requirements.)

Is the online OTD program at AIC accredited?
American International College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Is the online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program at AIC accredited?

American International College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Master of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)*
 

*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree program in nursing, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at American International College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

The post-graduate APRN certificate program at American International College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). The accreditation decision was made by the CCNE Board of Commissioners during its April 25-28, 2023 meeting, and the effective date of accreditation is October 5, 2022. 

Is the online Family Nurse Practitioner Post Master’s Certificate (FNP PMC) at AIC accredited?

American International College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Master of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)*
 

*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree program in nursing, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at American International College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

The post-graduate APRN certificate program at American International College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). The accreditation decision was made by the CCNE Board of Commissioners during its April 25-28, 2023 meeting, and the effective date of accreditation is October 5, 2022. 

Is the online EdD at AIC accredited?

American International College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Field Placement Services

What am I responsible for to ensure a timely field experience?

Completing the field placement intake form initiates the field placement search process. Upon completion of the form, you will be required to complete all field clearance requirements (by the College and agency) prior to the start of your first field experience. Most agencies have additional requirements for the College and/or interviews that students must complete prior to starting. As active participants in the placement process and to help focus the placement team’s search, students are encouraged to provide any local sites where they would prefer to complete their field hours.

In what types of agencies do students complete their fieldwork?

Typically, students complete their field practicum hours at: 

  • Community centers/organizations 
  • Human service agencies 
  • Counseling and therapy centers 
  • Addiction and mental health treatment facilities 
  • Adoption agencies 
  • Senior care facilities, such as nursing homes 
  • Correctional facilities 
  • Hospitals/clinics
When will I be informed of field placement details?

You will receive a notification from your dedicated Field Placement Coordinator prior to each field experience start date.

Do I get paid or reimbursed for my travel expenses during my fieldwork experience?

No. Due to the educational nature of the fieldwork, sites do not pay students. You are responsible for your transportation and travel expenses.

What is field placement?

Field placement is the required hands-on learning component of American International College’s (AIC’s) online mental health counseling programs. Whether you enroll in the master’s or doctorate program, you will apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations to prepare you for your future in mental health counseling or academia.

How does the field placement process work?

Your dedicated AIC field placement team collaborates with you to secure quality field learning sites that reflect your educational goals. They ensure all experiences meet the College’s standards and that the agencies and field instructors are approved before you start your fieldwork.

How do field placement services help me?

Concurrent coursework and field experiences connect theory with practice. Field placement provides real-world, hands-on counseling experience in the form of practicum hours. Your Field Placement Coordinator helps identify quality placement sites within your local community so you can focus on your coursework and build your skills.

Do I have to pay extra for field placement services?

No. Support to find field placement sites in your community that align with your career goals is integrated into the program cost and saves you time.

How should I prepare for my field placement?

Your Field Placement Coordinator will guide you through the entire process. They will give you a realistic idea of the field experience to ensure you are ready to work with supervision and independently.

Can I arrange my own field experiences?

Students are strongly encouraged to list agency referrals on the field intake form for the Field Placement Coordinator to arrange. Mental health counseling faculty are required to review and approve the agency before the start of any field work.

Cost

How much do the AIC online mental health counseling programs cost?

The online MA in CMHC and EdD in MHC programs cost $830 per credit hour + fees* for a total investment of $49,800 and $54,780, respectively. There are no student fees. Financial aid may be available to our online students.

*Please speak with your enrollment advisor about additional program fees.

How much does the online OTD program at AIC cost?

The online Post-Professional OTD program costs $1,175 per credit hour + fees* for a total investment of $35,250. Financial aid may be available to our online students.

*Please speak with your enrollment advisor about additional program fees.

How much does the online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program at AIC cost?

The online MSN-FNP program costs $850 per credit hour for a total investment of $39,100 + fees*. Financial Aid may be available to our online students.  

*Please speak with your enrollment advisor about additional program fees. 

How much does the online Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate program at AIC cost?

The online FNP PMC program costs $850 per credit hour for a total investment of $23,800, plus fees*. Financial Aid may be available to our online students.  

*Please speak with your enrollment advisor about additional program fees. 

How much does AIC's online EdD cost?

The online EdD degree program costs $960 per credit hour for a total investment of $38,400. Financial aid may be available to our online students.

Program Details

Can I apply to the online mental health counseling programs if I live outside of Massachusetts?

Students from a number of states are welcome to apply to the online MA in CMHC and EdD in MHC programs. Please see our State Authorization page for more detailed information.

How long will it take for me to complete AIC’s online mental health counseling programs?

It depends on your schedule, and the choice is yours. You can take the MA in CMHC program on a full-time basis and earn your degree in two years (six trimesters). Or, you can enroll in the program part-time and earn your degree in three years and three months (ten trimesters).

You can take the EdD in MHC program full-time and earn your degree in two years and three months (seven trimesters). Or, you can enroll in the program part-time and earn your degree in three years and seven months (eleven trimesters).

How many start dates do the online mental health counseling programs have per year?
There are three intakes per year for both programs: fall, spring, and summer.
How many credit hours are required for AIC’s online mental health counseling programs?
The online MA in CMHC requires 60 credit hours of coursework and 700 practicum hours of hands-on learning experience. The online EdD in MHC requires 66 credit hours and 700 practicum hours.
Are AIC’s mental health counseling programs online?
The coursework is delivered 100% online. There are no campus residencies to attend, but you will log 700 practicum hours of hands-on learning experience in designated clinical sites near you.
Is the faculty within AIC’s mental health counseling programs experienced?
You will learn from active practitioners who bring real-world experience into the online classroom. As trusted AIC faculty members, they are committed to your success as a mental health counselor and leader.
Are field placement services provided?

Yes. A dedicated AIC Placement Coordinator works with you to secure a site and preceptor near you. Learn more.

How long will it take for me to complete AIC’s online OTD program?
The Post-Professional OTD can be completed on a full-time basis in just under two years (five semesters).
How many start dates does the online OTD program have per year?
AIC offers two intakes per year for the program in the fall and spring.
How many credit hours are required for AIC’s online OTD program?
The online Post-Professional OTD requires 30 credit hours of coursework.
Is AIC’s OTD program online?
The coursework is delivered 100% online. There are no practicum hours, but there is one residency at the end of the program (in-person recommended; virtual option is considered).
What is the online Post-Professional OTD faculty experience?

You will learn from an engaged faculty of prolific scholars, practitioners, and leaders who are committed to your success. Here’s what one student had to say about the faculty:

"AIC’s Occupational Therapy faculty are pretty much famous in the OT world, not just in Massachusetts.”

Kenrdra Phillips ’09, OTD ’19

Can I apply to the online OTD program if I live outside of Massachusetts?

Students are welcome to apply to the online Post-Professional OTD program. Please see our State Authorization page for more detailed information.

Is the online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program at AIC fully online?

Yes, all of the coursework for the MSN-FNP degree program is fully online. You will be required to complete one 3-day in-person residency in the 4th semester to successfully complete the program.

How many credit hours are required to complete the online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program at AIC?

The online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program at AIC is comprised of 46 credit hours.

Can I take the online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program at AIC if I reside outside the state of Massachusetts?

Students from a number of states are welcome to apply to American International College’s online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program. Please see our State Authorization page for more detailed information. 

Is the online Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate program at AIC fully online?

Yes, all of the coursework for the FNP-PMC program is fully online. You will be required to complete one 3-day in-person residency in the 4th semester to successfully complete the program.

How many credit hours are required to complete the online FNP Post-Master's Certificate program at AIC?

The online FNP-PMC program is comprised of 28 credit hours.

Can I take the online Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate at AIC if I reside outside the state of Massachusetts?

Students from a number of states are welcome to apply to American International College’s online Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate program. Please see our State Authorization page for more detailed information. 

How long will it take me to complete the online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program at AIC?

The online MSN-FNP is a full-time program designed for working nurses. The program is 8 semesters in length and can be completed in 2 years and 7 months.

Is the online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program faculty experienced?

Yes. Our faculty members are experienced practitioners who are experts in their field and are dedicated to your success in diverse healthcare settings.

How long will it take for me to complete the online FNP Post-Master’s Certificate program at AIC?

The online FNP PMC is a full-time program designed for working nurses. The program is 6 semesters in length.

Is the online Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate program faculty experienced?

Yes. Our faculty members are experienced practitioners who are experts in their field and are dedicated to your success in diverse healthcare settings.

Can I take the online EdD if I live outside the state of Massachusetts?

Students from a number of states are welcome to apply to AAIC's online EdD program. Please see our State Authorization page for more detailed information.

Is the online EdD program fully online?

Yes, all coursework is 100% online and designed to be flexible, with no required log-in times or campus visits.

How many credit hours are required to complete AIC's online EdD?

The program can be completed in 40 credit hours.

How many start dates does the online EdD program have per year?

The online EdD program has three intakes per year (fall, spring, summer).

What makes AIC’s online EdD program different than others?

AIC’s online EdD is fast, affordable, and customizable. With four concentrations and two final project options, students can align their degree with their career goals, maximize their impact, and complete their education in just two years — without ever traveling to campus.

Additionally, AIC is a nationally recognized institution, ranked by U.S. News & World Report, with a long-standing legacy of academic rigor and dedicated faculty and staff.

How many concentrations are available for AIC’s online EdD?
How will each EdD track prepare me for career advancement?

Each online EdD track builds specific skillsets and areas of expertise, allowing you to choose the path that aligns best with your professional goals.  

Educational Leadership 
This track equips educators to move into leadership roles, such as school principal, district administrator, or curriculum director, with a focus on law, finance, and organizational management to drive positive outcomes in schools. 

Higher Education 
This track prepares you for leadership or faculty roles in colleges and universities, building your expertise in student development, institutional management, and higher education policy to strengthen your impact on postsecondary education. 

Teaching & Learning 
Designed for current educators, this track specializes your knowledge in curriculum design, instructional strategies, and learning theory — empowering you to lead instructional innovation, coach teachers, and improve student outcomes. 

Organizational Leadership & Development 
This track develops leaders across sectors, focusing on strategic leadership, organizational change, and team development. It prepares students to tackle challenges and drive growth in business, nonprofit, and other organizational settings. 

Is there a dissertation or capstone required for the final project? What is the difference?

Yes, every student completes a final project with the option to choose between a dissertation or a culminating experience (capstone). Both pathways let students produce actionable results that they can bring to their workplace and apply to future roles. 

The dissertation path is ideal for students who want to contribute original research to the field of education. It’s a traditional academic route that builds deep expertise and prepares graduates for roles in research, policy, or higher education.  

The culminating experience (capstone) project is designed for professionals who want to solve real-world problems in their own organizations or communities. It’s a hands-on, practice-based approach that applies research to improve programs, policies, or systems. 

How is dissertation writing included in the program?

Typically, dissertation research and composition fall at the end of a degree program and can take years to complete. Our process is different. Interwoven throughout the EdD program are dissertation writing courses, where the daunting aspects of a dissertation project are broken down into clear, manageable tasks. This structure allows students to start their dissertations early, stay connected to their research, and complete their degrees in a timely manner. 

What is the online experience like?

While all the courses are fully online, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with classmates and faculty. Under a cohort-based model, you will complete your courses alongside the same group of students throughout the program. This model will help you develop those critical relationships and further build a professional network.  

Students also experience a mix of asynchronous online courses (meaning there are no mandated log-in times for classes), as well as optional live classes on a week-by-week basis. Students can join live Zoom sessions which provide the opportunity to connect with peers and faculty in real time. 

Additionally, students are supported by other EdD students—or accountability partners—during the program. Accountability partners are fellow doctoral students who commit to supporting each other’s academic progress through regular check-ins, goal-setting, and reflective dialogue. Unlike advisors or committee members, accountability partners are peers, not evaluators    

Accountability partners pair up and help each other by: 

  • Maintaining momentum on IRB, and dissertation writing
  • Staying engaged and persistent, particularly during independent research phases
  • Reducing isolation by fostering scholarly community and shared problem-solving
  • Strengthening reflective practice, a core expectation of doctoral-level work
How long will it take me to complete AIC's online EdD program?

This program can be completed in two years (six semesters).

Are the faculty experienced in AIC’s online EdD program?

In this program, you will study under engaged, doctorally-prepared, prolific scholars, practitioners, and leaders who are committed to your success.

Program Eligibility & Requirements

What are the admission requirements to apply for AIC’s online mental health counseling programs?

The MA in CMHC admission requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in any field
  • 2.75 GPA 
  • 2 Letters of recommendation 
  • Personal statement 

The EdD in MHC admission requirements:

  • Master’s degree in psychology or closely related field
  • 3.0 GPA 
  • 3 Letters of recommendation 
  • Personal statement 
Where can I find more information about applying to AIC’s online mental health counseling programs?

You can find more information on this page.

What are the admission requirements to apply for AIC’s online OTD program?

The Post-Professional OTD program admission requirements include:

  • Any master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited or WFOT-approved institution 
  • 3.0 GPA 
  • OT license
  • 3 Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement 
  • Resume
Where can I find more information about applying to AIC’s online OTD program?

You can find more information on this page.

What are the admission requirements to apply for AIC’s MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program?

The MSN-FNP admission requirements are: 

  • Bachelor’s degree 
  • 3.0 GPA 
  • Active RN license 
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation 
  • Personal Statement 
What are the admission requirements to apply for AIC’s Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate program?

The FNP PMC admission requirements are: 

  • MSN degree 
  • 3.0 GPA 
  • Active RN license 
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation 
  • Personal Statement 
What are the admission requirements to apply for the online EdD?

Admission Requirements 

  • Master's degree from any discipline  
  • 3.0 GPA 
  • 3 Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)  
  • Personal essay  
  • Official transcripts
Where can I find more information about applying to AIC’s online EdD program?

You can learn more about the program here.

Clinical Placement Services

How does the clinical placement process work?

You’ll work with a dedicated AIC placement coordinator who will walk you through the process and be your primary point of contact. Based on your goals and where you live, your placement coordinator will identify an appropriate site and preceptor for you within a reasonable driving distance.

How should I prepare for nursing clinicals?

You will be in close communication with your placement coordinator all the way through to graduation. He or she will ensure you complete all requirements and meet deadlines, answer your questions, verify your clearance requirements, and walk you through the nursing clinicals checklist.

When will I receive my clinical placement details?

You will receive a notification from your placement coordinator prior to each clinical start date. Once the placement has been confirmed and communicated, you are encouraged to begin working directly with your preceptor to establish a schedule.

What can I expect during nursing clinicals?

All clinical experiences are slightly different because students work in a variety of health care environments. During your clinical rotation, you will be under the close supervision of your preceptor and the indirect supervision of an AIC clinical faculty supervisor.

Back to top