Overview
Heald College is a regionally accredited, private career college that has been preparing students for rewarding careers in Healthcare, Business, Legal and Technology for over 145 years.
Heald is regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. That's a quality certification that must be earned and that not every college gets. It makes us proud and makes your Heald education more valuable. It also allows us to have articulation agreements with other regionally accredited institutions that accept Heald credits toward bachelor's degree programs. (Note that acceptance standards vary by program and institution. Transfer of credit from Heald to another college is determined by the receiving institution.)
Perhaps the most important thing that sets Heald apart is that we've been around for over 145 years. We're not new to career education. We started with one campus in San Francisco, back in 1863, and we've expanded to 11 campuses across the western United States: Concord, Fresno, Hayward, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, Salinas, San Francisco, San Jose, Stockton, Honolulu and Portland. That's intelligent growth, one student at a time.
Our Philosophy Is Simple: We Succeed When Our Students Succeed
Unlike other career colleges, earning an associate degree at Heald is much more than just skill training. At Heald, we provide our students with all of the resources necessary to become well-rounded, highly motivated, qualified candidates for great jobs.
In addition to taking courses in their chosen program area, our students study contemporary literature and culture, ethical practices, and personal and social responsibility. We also help them develop confidence, leadership abilities, collaboration techniques, and communication skills. While employers are eager to find employees with technical proficiency, these "soft" skills are extremely important in a professional environment.
And our faculty consists of people who know what it means to be in the work force. At Heald, we hire high-caliber instructors who have both academic and real-world experience. They teach practical, relevant skills that students will actually be able to use throughout their careers.
But before that career starts, we want the time our students spend at Heald to be the best it can be. Our campuses are supportive environments filled with positive, like-minded people. We know because that's what our graduates tell us. It's the sense of belonging to a community they had at Heald that they remember most.
The Right Education Is the Best Way to Get Ahead and Stay There
Heald is perfect for people who want to earn a meaningful degree - and get out into the job market quickly.
Unlike other career colleges, earning your associate degree at Heald is much more than skill training. At Heald, our goal is to provide you with the most efficient path to a quality education. We offer career-focused programs that give you the experience you need to succeed in today's workplace - in the shortest practical time: Associate in Applied Science Degrees (18 - 24 months); Associate of Arts Degrees (9 - 12 months); Short-term Diplomas (12 - 16 months); and Certifications (6 - 12 months).
NEW! If you're a Heald graduate, you're eligible to pursue our newest educational option - the Associate of Arts (AA) degree is now available at all 11 campuses. We now offer an AA program that allows you to get a second degree in as little as 6 months. An AA is considered the foundational degree for transferring into a four-year college because AA programs include the courses that are typically required by Bachelor's degree programs. (Note that acceptance standards vary by program and institution. Transfer of credit from Heald to another college is determined by the receiving institution.)
No matter which Heald program you choose to pursue, your Heald education is sure to help you get the respect you deserve. As a WASC-accredited academic institution, Heald has a strong reputation for providing excellence in education.
