Are externships voluntary in accredited schools?

Externships are generally voluntary in accredited schools, though the specific policies vary significantly between institutions, programs, and even individual instructors. While a school might *highly encourage* or *strongly recommend* participation in an externship for career preparation or graduation requirements, they typically can't *force* a student to complete one unless it's explicitly stated as a mandatory component of their curriculum. Always check the program's specific requirements and speak to an advisor.