Anybody can start a school or offer a hypnotherapy training course. They can give it any name they want, like the “American University of Hypnotherapy Training.” Many brag that they are approved by a “Board” like the “International Board of Hypnotherapy.” Often, however, these schools actually own the “Board,” which means they’re essentially approving themselves. Still, other schools get their approval from a private group with a fancy name whose main source of income is selling certifications. It is not uncommon for schools like these to have virtually no oversight by any agency at all.
Some tout they are “State Approved” or “State Licensed” and lead you to believe it represents a guarantee of having met specific standards of quality or educational outcomes. Don’t be misled. “Approval” or “Licensed” does not mean the school is “Accredited.” It only means that the school is approved to operate as a business in that state. Most state agencies do not visit the school, do not review the curriculum, and make no claims about the quality of the education offered. State agencies do not police the schools regarding any claims they make on their website or advertising, so they can pretty much say anything they want.
To further complicate the process, many non-accredited schools and colleges in the U.S. offer diplomas, degrees and other certificates. Such schools are often referred to as diploma mills. These are some common characteristics of diploma mills: