Review: Maryland Bartending Academy

As I browsed writing topics I found the Review: Maryland Bartending Academy(MBA) caught my curiosity. I do not frequent bars and assumed most bartenders simply learned their trade through on the job training. So, an investigation was in order. A quick Internet search brought me to the Maryland Bartending Academy webpage at

www.marylandbartending.com

Much of my life has been spent around schools as either a student or teacher. Over the years I have been asked by numerous people about the value of attending private specialty schools that were designed for specific trades. I have learned to rely on certain criteria in determining whether or not to recommend these schools.

The criteria I rely upon:

Accreditation Curriculum History Length of Program Costs Job Placement Testimonials

Accreditation

The first factor I consider is accreditation. What if any educational organization has given their stamp of approval to this program? Many times schools like these do not have accreditation. More deceptive are those school who create their own accreditation organization under a different name and then self-accreditation.

The MBA website does not suggest that it is accredited. The "accreditation" factor is addressed through MBA's membership with various bartending organizations and the Better Business Bureau.

The MBA website indicates that it is the only authorized training facility for the Professional Bartending School of America in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore area. The website states that MBA meets or exceeds the requirements of the Maryland Higher Education Commission and is fully approved. MBA reports being a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and is affiliated with the International Association of Bartending Institutes as well as a member of the Professional Bartending Advisory Board.

Curriculum

Students are taught the basics of being an effective bartender as well as legal issues related to bartending such as alcohol awareness and liability. The curriculum also includes job interview training. The curriculum consists of classroom lecture and on the job training.

History

MBA opened in 1980 so it has a long history which speaks well for the organization.

Length of Program

The entire program requires 4 1/2 hours of sessions per day for two weeks.

Costs

Tuition is not posted on the website. This would be a red flag for me.

Job Placement

The website lists several clubs that

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