Some accountants are overly aggressive and some are too conservative in interpreting rules, much like IA's. Here are a few things the original poster may be interest in looking into, It came directly from the IRS publication involving training expenses. I also attached the flow chart they use to determine eligibility. You do not have to be self employed to deduct job related training.
You can deduct the costs of qualifying work-related education as business expenses. This is education that meets at least one of the following two tests.
The education is required by your employer or the law to keep your present salary, status, or job. The required education must serve a bona fide business purpose of your employer.
The education maintains or improves skills needed in your present work.
Self-Employed Persons
If you are self-employed, report the cost of your qualifying work-related education on the appropriate form used to report your business income and expenses (generally Schedule C, C-EZ, or F). If your educational expenses include expenses for a car or truck, travel, or meals, report those expenses the same way you report other business expenses for those items. See the instructions for the form you file for information on how to complete it.
Employees
If you are an employee, you can deduct the cost of qualifying work-related education only if you:
Did not receive (and were not entitled to receive) any reimbursement from your employer,
Were reimbursed under a nonaccountable plan (amount is included in box 1 of Form W-2), or
Received reimbursement under an accountable plan, but the amount received was less than your expenses for which you claimed reimbursement.
If either (1) or (2) applies, you can deduct the total qualifying cost. If (3) applies, you can deduct only the qualifying costs that were more than your reimbursement.