14,633 Posts
The issue is not whether the person writing the reference is an academic or not -- the issue is whether that person is in a position to speak to your academic performance. That's what the school is looking for. In general, someone who had you as a student in the past, even a while back, would be a better choice than a current employer (unless your job somehow involves scholarship (research, writing, etc.))
1,068 Posts
Call the school admissions office and seek their input. At my School, we want a letter to address how you "learn". This needs to be from someone who has taught the applicant (either in a classroom environment, or as a mentor). For those who are no more than 5 years out of school, we generally prefer a letter from a facuulty member. But for those out of school more than 5 years, we prefer a letter from a mentor than a generic letter from a MD.
loganable
22 Posts
Start with someone who actually knew you, of course. If they have moved on speak to the current Dean. Perhaps she can access your records and write something based on them.