August 2025

From the President

Barry S. Eckert, Ph.D., FASAHP

2023-2026 CAAHEP President

As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence in health professions education, CAAHEP continues to monitor federal developments that may impact accreditation. Recent guidance from the Department of Education, a memo from the Department of Justice (DOJ), and two bills advanced by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce have prompted thoughtful review and discussion within our community.

Last week, the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA) members discussed the DOJ-issued memo related to DEI practices in hiring, admissions, and scholarship decisions that might be considered illegal. The memo reiterates that using an individual’s background, race, gender, or other personal characteristics in decision-making, particularly for admissions or financial aid, is considered illegal. The discussion amongst ASPA members and legal counsel was that the memo from the DOJ does not limit students receiving instruction on delivering comprehensive patient care to individuals from varying cultural backgrounds across the lifespan. This aligns with CAAHEP’s long-standing position: CAAHEP Standards support patient-centered health professions education without compromising legal compliance. It should also be noted that the DOJ memo is clear that it is a guidance document and not a binding law. 

While CAAHEP is not a federally recognized accrediting agency, there are two bills currently in the markup stage that could affect accrediting agencies such as post-secondary institutional accreditors. Concerning provisions in this draft legislation, include:

• Governing board members of an accrediting organization may not be selected by an affiliated trade organization or membership body or be employed by an accredited institution.
• Governing boards of an accrediting organization must have a member representing" business," but the term remains undefined.
• Accrediting Boards with more than six (6) total members must include two public members.
• Programs receiving federal funding would be assessed on outcomes such as graduation, licensure, employment rate, and income levels.

Since January, CAAHEP has reviewed executive orders, guidance documents, and proposed legislation and conducted a comprehensive review of our Standards, policies, procedures, and public-facing material. The Committees on Accreditation (CoAs) have done comparable reviews. We are pleased to report that our documents and particularly CAAHEP's Standards Template, remain consistent with current federal guidelines and proposed legislation. This reinforces our confidence in the integrity and adaptability of the CAAHEP accreditation model.

Our commitment to you is to continue to keep you informed about federal activities. It is often a delicate balance between new perspectives within government and our mission of quality assurance in health professions education that prepares practitioners to provide optimal care. We will continue to provide timely updates and thoughtful analysis to help you understand the potential impact on your programs. Please see the related article by CAAHEP Past-President, Donald Balasa, below. 

Barry S. Eckert, Ph.D., FASAHP

President

By Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, CEO and General Council, American Association of Medical Assistants and CAAHEP Commissioner

Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued the non-binding memorandum “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination” on July 29, 2025. This memorandum provides clarification that some Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs “may involve discriminatory practices” in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws. The following is my legal analysis and commentary.



This Memorandum Is Not Legally Binding

This memorandum emphasizes that it is not a binding declaration of law. Note the following excerpt:

…this guidance identifies “Best Practices” as non-binding suggestions to help entities comply with federal antidiscrimination laws and avoid legal pitfalls; these are not mandatory requirements but rather practical recommendations to minimize the risk of violations.

This Memorandum Is Applicable to Parties Subject to Federal Antidiscrimination Laws

The parties for which this memorandum applies are specified:

Entities that receive federal financial assistance or that are otherwise subject to federal antidiscrimination laws, including educational institutions, state and local governments, and public and private employers should review this guidance carefully to ensure all programs comply with their legal obligations.

Discrimination on the Basis of Protected Characteristics Should Be Avoided

As has been the case in previous Trump Administration documents, the denouncing of discrimination on protected characteristics is explicit:

Using race, sex, or other protected characteristics for employment, program participation, resource allocation, or other similar activities, opportunities, or benefits, is unlawful, except in rare cases where such discrimination satisfies the relevant level of judicial scrutiny.

……

Exceptions are narrow and include only cases where federal law expressly permits race-based remedies for specific, documented acts of past discrimination by the institution itself or in specialized contexts such as correctional facilities where courts have recognized compelling institutional interests.

“Proxy Discrimination” Should Be Avoided

However, the warnings about “proxy discrimination” are perhaps more explicit and far-reaching:

Facially neutral criteria (e.g., "cultural competence," "lived experience," geographic targeting) that function as proxies for protected characteristics violate federal law if designed or applied with the intention of advantaging or disadvantaging individuals based on protected characteristics.

“Overcoming Obstacles” Narratives or “Diversity Statements”: A federally funded program requires applicants to describe “obstacles they have overcome" or submit a "diversity statement" in a manner that advantages those who discuss experiences intrinsically tied to protected characteristics, using the narrative as a proxy for advantaging that protected characteristic in providing benefits.

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The 2025 Accreditation Workshop took place July 18-19 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, drawing over 225 attendees for an energizing day-and-a-half of learning, collaboration, and connection. The dynamic agenda kept participants engaged with timely sessions, interactive discussions, and valuable networking opportunities.

CAAHEP extends its thanks to our expert volunteer speakers, whose insights and guidance enriched every session. Their contributions helped reinforce our shared commitment to advancing the quality of health science education. Here are just a few memories from the event:

A special thank-you to our 2025 Accreditation Workshop sponsors: Weave, F.A. Davis, Platinum Educational Group, AMCA, and Trajecsys. Their presence added meaningful value, offering attendees helpful resources and information about their products and services.

Thank You to the 2025 Accreditation Workshop Sponsors

Lacie M. Couzin, PhD, RN, Member, CAAHEP Board of Directors

Reprinted with permission from Dr. Couzin's 7/17/2025 LinkedIn Post

I am so glad I said yes back in 2019 when Teddy Farias, D.C., Dean - Health and Natural Sciences at San Jacinto College, asked if I was interested in serving on the Board of NN2, the National Network of Health Career Programs in Two-Year Colleges. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to grow professionally and expand my network, meeting many dedicated and passionate health education professionals along the way.

As a new Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs board member, I am currently in Bloomington, MN, for my first in-person meeting and to participate in the annual Accreditation Workshop. Why? Because I am passionate about the power of accreditation, and when the opportunity arose, I said yes.

Being in a new city means an opportunity to meet with local health educators. Tuesday evening, Teddy and I were graciously hosted by Daniel Olson of North Memorial Health and Elaine Vanderburgh from the Minnesota State HealthForce Center for Excellence. We had the opportunity to share our various efforts and activities to ensure the continued growth and alignment of education and healthcare professions.

Growth, innovation, and professional development all happen in a robust culture of "yes". And when we say yes, we position ourselves and others to have a tremendous impact and leave the world a better place than we found it.

In March 2024, the CAAHEP Board of Directors, after careful consideration and review, approved a draft revision of Policy 701. This draft included a ten percent increase in Program Accreditation Fees beginning in 2026. Comments were invited on the draft policy revision during April 2024 via the CAAHEP website, and the Audit and Finance Committee and Board of Directors diligently reviewed and considered all comments received, ensuring a transparent and inclusive decision-making process. 

The final approved revision of the Program Accreditation fee policy supports CAAHEP’s role as an independent organization whose mission is to provide value to stakeholders by setting standards for quality assurance in health professions education. The fee increases are planned to keep pace with the average rate of US inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), thereby ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality accreditation services.   

In response to the questions received from members of CAAHEP’s communities of interest during the open comment period, CAAHEP has provided the following background information about the fee policy changes. 

1. Why was a rate of 10% chosen? 

To ensure the continuity of our mission and operations, the board has decided on a three-year cyclical Program Accreditation Fee increase, aligning with the average rates of inflation in the United States. Over the past 20 years (2004-2024), the average CPI rate of inflation has been 2.4%, with a range of -0.3 % – 8% ( https://www.bls.gov/cpi/).  

2. Why was a three-year period chosen for the fee changes? 

The board recognizes that institutional budgets are complex and require careful planning. To facilitate this, the board has chosen to implement a longer cycle for changes, opting for a three-year 10% increase rather than a 3.3% increase in a single year. 

3. Why did CAAHEP approve a fee change now? 

Following the restructuring of CAAHEP fees in 2022, we received valuable feedback from our stakeholders. Many of the comments indicated that institutions needed a longer notification period when fee changes are made. In response, the board decided to implement this fee policy change in 2024, providing program sponsors with a two-year notice before the change takes effect. 

4.   What additional services and resources will CAAHEP provide for programs in consideration of these changes in Program Accreditation Fees? 

• New CAAHEP Academy, a learning management system, with live webinars and on-demand content designed to meet educator needs, scheduled for 2025. 
• Expanded content and learning opportunities at the CAAHEP Accreditation Workshop. 
• Improved annual reporting center for programs that use the CAAHEP Annual Report. 
• Enhancements to the program listings and search capabilities in the Find an Accredited Program feature on the CAAHEP website. 

5. What are the Program Accreditation Fees for 2026 and beyond based on the fee change?

Per Program Accreditation Fee: Assessed annually in July

For more information, please visit our website or contact us at mail@caahep.org  

Each profession in the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) system has a Committee on Accreditation (CoA) that consists of experts in the profession who are responsible for reviewing programs and making appropriate recommendations for accreditation to CAAHEP. CAAHEP reviews recommendations received from its CoAs in each profession, assures due process was followed, and takes final action on an accreditation status.

CAAHEP took the following actions at its July 16, 2025, meeting. Actions are identified by profession, action taken, date of the next comprehensive evaluation, and whether a progress report to improve program compliance is required. In some cases, the concentration and/or degree are also specified. Where available, links to each program’s website are provided. To view a copy of the most recent accreditation award letter for a program, which includes information about the accreditation decision, visit the program’s listing on the Find an Accredited Program section of the CAAHEP Website. Actions are identified by profession, action taken, and date of the next comprehensive evaluation. In some cases, the concentration and/or degree are also specified.

The following programs were found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2030. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire, WI (Abdominal-Extended)

Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire, WI (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden, AL (Abdominal-Extended)

Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden, AL (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden, AL (Vascular)

Hillsborough Community College-Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL (Adult Cardiac)

Tyler Junior College, Tyler, TX (Abdominal-Extended)

Tyler Junior College, Tyler, TX (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Emergency Medical Services Professions - Paramedic

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers Grove, IL

Athens Technical College, Athens, GA

Calhoun Community College, Tanner, AL

Chemeketa Community College, Salem, OR

Cincinnati Fire Department, Cincinnati, OH

El Paso Fire Department, El Paso, TX

Florida Gateway College, Lake City, FL

Garrett College, McHenry, MD

Grayson College, Denison, TX

Laredo College-South, Laredo, TX

Lemoore College, Lemoore, CA

Life EMS Ambulance Education Center/University of Michigan Health-West, Grand Rapids, MI

Lone Star College System-Cy Fair College, Cypress, TX

Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, IL

Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills, MI

Owens Community College, Wallbridge, OH

Pitt Community College, Winterville, NC

Rapid City Fire Department, Rapid City, SD

South Howell County Ambulance District, West Plains, MO

SUNY at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY

Tallahassee State College, Tallahassee, FL

Texas State Technical College-Abilene Industrial Technology Center, Abilene, TX

University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD

Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin, TN

Wallace State Community College, Hanceville, AL

Orthotist/Prosthetist

Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Tampa, FL

The following programs were found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2032. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Cardiovascular Technology

Medical Education and Training Campus (METC), JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX (Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Certificate)

Nova Southeastern University-Tampa Bay Regional Campus, Clearwater, FL (Adult Echocardiography, Baccalaureate)

Nova Southeastern University-Tampa Bay Regional Campus, Clearwater, FL (Noninvasive Vascular Study, Baccalaureate)

Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, SC (Adult Echocardiography, Associate)

Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, SC (Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Associate)

The following programs were found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2035. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Kettering College, Kettering, OH (Abdominal-Extended)

Kettering College, Kettering, OH (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Kettering College, Kettering, OH (Adult Cardiac)

Kettering College, Kettering, OH (Vascular)

Miami Dade College-Medical Campus, Miami, FL (Abdominal-Extended)

Miami Dade College-Medical Campus, Miami, FL (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Miami Dade College-Medical Campus, Miami, FL (Adult Cardiac)

New Mexico State University-Dona Ana Community College-Espina Campus, Las Cruces, NM (Abdominal-Extended)

New Mexico State University-Dona Ana Community College-Espina Campus, Las Cruces, NM (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL (Abdominal-Extended)

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Polysomnographic Technology

Concorde Career College, Portland, OR (Diploma)

Surgical Technology

Austin Community College, Austin, TX (Associate)

Itawamba Community College, Tupelo, MS (Associate)

North Idaho College, Coeur d'Alene, ID (Associate)

North Shore Community College, Danvers, MA (Associate)

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Valdosta, GA (Associate)

The following program was found to be in substantial compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines, with one or more Standards requiring a progress report to be submitted to the appropriate Committee on Accreditation (CoA). The program was granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2028.

Cardiovascular Technology

South Suburban College of Cook County, South Holland, IL (Adult Echocardiography, Associate)

The following programs were found to be in substantial compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines, with one or more Standards requiring a progress report to be submitted to the appropriate Committee on Accreditation (CoA). The programs were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2030.

Emergency Medical Services Professions

Arizona Western College, Yuma, AZ

Boone County Fire Protection District, Columbia, MO

College of the Redwoods, Eureka, CA

Columbus Fire & EMS, Columbus, GA

EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM Paramedic Training Consortium, Erie, PA

Fresno County Department of Public Health, Fresno, CA

Hocking College, Nelsonville, OH

Life EMS Academy/El Paso ESD 2 Consortium, El Paso, TX

Motlow State Community College-Smyrna Site, Smyrna, TN

Pickaway-Ross County Joint Vocational School District, Chillicothe, OH

Sandhills Community College, Pinehurst, NC

Tri-County Community College, Murphy, NC

The following programs were found to be in substantial compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines, with one or more Standards requiring a progress report to be submitted to the appropriate Committee on Accreditation (CoA). The programs were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2035.

Surgical Technology

Georgia Northwestern Technical College-Walker County Campus, Rock Spring, GA (Associate)

Triton College, River Grove, IL (Associate)

The following programs were found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted initial accreditation with the next evaluation to occur no later than 2030. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda. 

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Northeast Mississippi Community College, Booneville, MS (Abdominal-Extended)

Northeast Mississippi Community College, Booneville, MS (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

North Shore University Hospital, Lake Success, NY (Abdominal-Extended)

North Shore University Hospital, Lake Success, NY (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

North Shore University Hospital, Lake Success, NY (Adult Cardiac)

North Shore University Hospital, Lake Success, NY (Vascular)

Saint Joseph's University Lancaster, Lancaster, PA (Adult Cardiac)

Tyler Junior College, Tyler, TX (Adult Cardiac)

Emergency Medical Services Professions - Paramedic

Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable, MA

Guilford County EMS, Greensboro, NC

Exercise Physiology

Carroll University, Waukesha, WI (Clinical)

Point Loma Nazarene University-Balboa Avenue Regional Center, San Diego, CA (Clinical)

Orthotist/Prosthetist

East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Specialist Blood Bank Technology/Transfusion Medicine

Blood Assurance, Inc, Chattanooga, TN

The following programs were found to be in substantial compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines, with one or more Standards requiring a progress report to be submitted to the appropriate Committee on Accreditation (CoA). The programs were granted initial accreditation with the next evaluation to occur no later than 2030.

Emergency Medical Services Professions - Paramedic

Haywood Community College, Clyde, NC

Northwest College-Cody Center, Cody, WY

Southern University at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA

Recreational Therapy

University of Toledo, Toledo, OH

The following program had a transfer of sponsorship approved with a status of continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2026. This action requires no progress report and was approved on the consent agenda.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Widener University, Chester, PA (Abdominal-Extended)

Widener University, Chester, PA (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

The following program had a transfer of sponsorship approved with a status of continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2029. This action requires no progress report and was approved on the consent agenda.

Neurodiagnostic Technology

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, Media, PA (Distance)

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, Media, PA

The following program was placed on probationary accreditation, with one or more Standards requiring critical attention and timely resolution to bring the program into compliance with the Standards and Guidelines.

Art Therapy

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, St Mary of the Woods, IN

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775-7709

W: www.caahep.org  P: 727-210-2350 E: mail@caahep.org