Lack of Accredited Programs

Accredited Gunsmithing Programs

While there is a real demand for gunsmiths in Arkansas, the nearest academically accredited college to offer the program is Oklahoma.  Nationwide, only 10 accredited programs exist and only 4 are endorsed by the NRA.  Five online programs exist and one, the Pennsylvania Gunsmith School, is an on-campus program which is not accredited as a postsecondary education but as a career education institution.

In total, only 11 schools in the entire country offer a gunsmithing program.

What is Accreditation?

According to the International Accreditation Service,

Accreditation is a formal, independent verification that a program or institution meets established quality standards and is competent to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks. Conformity assessment tasks may include, but are not limited to, testing, inspection, or certification.

Organizations responsible for public safety, hospitals, schools, police and fire departments, and other public safety and welfare organizations work with an accrediting agency to ensure minimum standards are in place for public welfare and safety.  Accrediting agencies include the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Colleges and universities must also earn accreditation in order to receive Title IV funding to offer federal financial aid.  Schools must demonstrate they are fiscally sound, transparent and ethical, and pursue academic integrity.

Black River Technical College is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).