RHU Designation Ending, Why?

[yellowbirdnj]

Can anyone tell me why the American College of Financial Services stopped promoting the RHU designation? Of course it will keep going on with NAHU, the American College said that it will no longer promote it after 2015. What gives?

 

[DHK]

Academics - Insurance Education - RHU Registered Health Underwriter - Discontinued - The American College

Because of the significant changes brought about by healthcare reform, we will no longer be enrolling new students in the RHU® (Registered Health Underwriter®) program after December 31, 2013. Students who are already pursuing the RHU® mark as of that date will be allowed eighteen months to complete the program (through June 30, 2015).

We are careful at The American College to make the transition of educational programs as seamless as we can and to not penalize current students or designees when circumstances lead us to change our rules or programs. Beginning January 1, 2014, students coming to The College for healthcare education will pursue courses in the ChHC® program, the Chartered Healthcare Consultant®. Many RHU® students and designees have already moved to this new program that reflects the most recent changes in healthcare reform. You may want to consider learning more about the ChHC® program if you have not done so already.

Professionals who earn the RHU® mark prior to June 30, 2015 may continue to use that mark for the rest of their careers as long as they continue to abide by the rules and procedures of The College.

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While that is the "official" stance... I'm wondering if The American College is simply ending any kind of cross-promotional designations?

For example - the LUTCF and FSS, previously administered by The American College and jointly conferred by TAC and NAIFA, will now be administered in 2015 by The College for Financial Planning.

As a result, The American College introduced the FSCP sales training designation which is NOT jointly issued with NAIFA.

Maybe something similar with RHU if another institution will take it over?

 

[yellowbirdnj]

Yes, that is what I am thinking. A new designation. I know that a lot of people were not happy that they had to join NAIFA to get the LUTCF. Maybe that was the sticking point?

 

[DHK]

I didn't know of any similar professional membership requirements for RHU. However, with the healthcare changing landscape, I DO think the ChHC is the credential/education one should pursue, if you're going to be a health insurance specialist.


I really think The American College is greatly diluting their focus. They were originally founded for the CLU designation... but they've added so many. I really think they should go back to their roots by making the CLU or ChFC the required prerequisite before pursuing other designations - such as RICP/CASL retirement designations, ChSNC and all those others. They're actually making their own "alphabet soup" worse for differentiation in the marketplace. I think their main reason for offering more designations is to increase educational course sales because of declining enrollment. They should get closer to their core foundation, instead of a designation for every 'discipline'.

Just annoyed by it. Getting off my soapbox now.

 

[yellowbirdnj]

I don't like the price for the courses. I think that the American College needs to rethink such a high cost for courses that they have no professors teaching. Really they are just online certification courses so the costs should be less. Plus that $250 every two years to keep your designations is a real turn off.

 

[DHK]

They have professors... but interaction with them, or coursework is not required to pass each course (except the sales-oriented courses). You can interact with them via the "blackboard" discussion forums for each course.

Learn Your Way - The American College

Why Us - Industry Recognized Faculty - The American College

But I agree... the courses are way too expensive, especially if you're not working for a firm that has educational reimbursement.

 

[pfg1]

I agree they are pricey. But its kinda like buying gas...if you need it, you have to come to them and they can charge what they want. I wonder if they will ever have any competition?

 

[DHK]

IARFC

CFP Board of Standards

Institute of Business & Finance

College for Financial Planning

The Employer Healthcare and Benefits Congress


There's plenty of competition for The American College.

 

[VolAgent]

I agree they are pricey. But its kinda like buying gas...if you need it, you have to come to them and they can charge what they want. I wonder if they will ever have any competition?

Ok, but who needs it? A designation does nothing for most agents.

 

[pfg1]

Ok, but who needs it? A designation does nothing for most agents.

I agree, alphabet soup behind your name doesn't automatically mean success. BUT, if you have gotten some designations hopefully you have learned some good info along the way to getting them, which should help your business. And I guess in certain situations the designation might help you close a case or two, just due to the credibility they provide.

IARFC

CFP Board of Standards

Institute of Business & Finance

College for Financial Planning

The Employer Healthcare and Benefits Congress


There's plenty of competition for The American College.

DHK, I know some others provide some competition...but isn't American College the industry "go to"? And thanks for that list, I knew of some...not all of those.