CAAHEP Communiqué

October 2026

From the President

Why Accreditation is Important

I have had the privilege of being involved with accreditation in multiple ways for many years, and each role I have held has refined my understanding of its importance. My first faculty position was in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), where the school underwent a continuing LCME accreditation review; we all recognized its importance, but as a new faculty member, the details were unclear to me. As a dean and ultimately a provost, I became well acquainted with the purpose and benefits of accreditation and had an obligation to support programs through their reviews, to which I devoted considerable effort. My growing involvement and interest then led me to serve in the accreditation process itself as a program reviewer, site visitor, and Board member. Each of these experiences sharpened both my engagement and my message, and they have given me many opportunities to answer the question, for those inside and outside of higher education, “Why is accreditation important?”

Most recently, I was asked this question after moving to a new state. When I mentioned that I was active in accreditation, my new neighbors seemed uncertain about what that meant. Some were genuinely curious, and a few offered good-natured “eye-rolls.” Many of you have likely had the same experience. Surprisingly, accreditation has become a regular topic of discussion; these conversations have helped me clarify and amplify my thoughts on its importance. Three ideas have emerged as my answer: accreditation sets quality standards, serves as a gateway to practice, and makes professional preparation consistent nationwide.

In sharing my perspective on accreditation, I will specifically focus on programmatic accreditation in health professions, recognizing that accreditation is also critical to liberal arts, business, education, architecture, engineering, and many other fields.

First and foremost, accreditation aims to ensure that educational programs in professional fields are of the highest possible quality. One of the most important criteria is whether graduates are qualified to enter practice. How can we ensure that this criterion is met? Accreditors establish standards and verify a program’s resources, including clinical/experiential learning, curriculum, faculty qualifications, fair practices, and outcome assessment, to demonstrate that graduates have received the education necessary to enter the profession. In health professions, ensuring quality and well-educated professionals is fundamental to providing safe, effective, compassionate health care to the population.

Most health professionals must achieve national certification and/or state licensure to practice. Certification and licensure typically require graduation from an accredited program. Thus, accreditation serves as a gateway to practice: graduation from an accredited program is typically the first step toward certification, licensure, and employment.

Accreditation also provides a foundation for consistency among educational programs and the graduates who practice their professions. Because every accredited program is measured against the same standards, employers, patients, and graduates who move from state to state can count on a minimum level of competency regardless of where a professional was educated. That common baseline is what allows programs to pursue excellence beyond it.

The overarching answer to “Why is accreditation important?” is straightforward: By setting quality standards, serving as a gateway to practice, and making professional preparation consistent nationwide, accreditation ensures that professionals provide safe, effective care/services to patients and clients. Accreditation accomplishes this through an independent, rigorous, and thorough process that examines many factors essential to educational program excellence. Programs, members, and Committees on Accreditation each play a part in making that possible, and I encourage you to share this answer with colleagues, students, employers, and neighbors, so that appreciation of accreditation’s value continues to grow at many levels.

Barry S. Eckert, Ph.D., ASAHP

CAAHEP President
2023-2026

CAAHEP's Mission: Advance quality health professions education

Clinical Research Standards Approved

At its September meeting, the CAAHEP Board of Directors approved the proposed CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Clinical Research. This approval concludes the review process, which included a thorough review by the Committee on Accreditation of Academic Programs in Clinical Research and the CAAHEP Standards Committee; endorsement by the sponsoring organization, the Consortium of Academic Programs in Clinical Research; an open comment period in which communities of interest provided feedback; and a final review and approval by the CAAHEP Board. The new version of the Standards is available on the CAAHEP website and is effective on July 1, 2027.

CAAHEP Joins Coalition in Comment on

Proposed H-1B Petition Fee

CAAHEP joined a coalition of healthcare, laboratory, education, and accreditation organizations in submitting comments to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding a proposed $103,265 fee for certain cap-subject H-1B petitions.

The coalition expressed concern that the fee could create significant recruitment barriers for healthcare employers already facing workforce shortages, with smaller organizations and those serving rural and underserved communities particularly affected. The letter urges DHS to withdraw or substantially reduce the proposed fee, establish an exemption for healthcare professionals, and provide waivers to address public health, patient access, and critical workforce needs.

CAAHEP’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting a qualified healthcare workforce and advancing access to quality health professions education and healthcare services. A copy of the letter to the DHS Secretary is attached.

Standards Development: Opportunities for Participation

Several sets of CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines are currently moving through the Standards review process, with opportunities for stakeholders to provide feedback on proposed Standards and participate in upcoming open hearings.

Two proposed Standards and Guidelines, Orthotic & Prosthetic Technicians and Specialist in Blood Bank Technology/Transfusion Medicine, have completed their public comment periods. Virtual open hearings for both sets of Standards will be held October 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern, respectively. Registration is required to participate in the open hearings.

Public comments are still being accepted on the proposed Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Inclusive Rehabilitation Sciences. Comments are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern on November 2, 2026, with a virtual open hearing scheduled for November 24 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

CAAHEP encourages interested stakeholders to stay informed and participate in the Standards development process. The CAAHEP Public Notifications page includes proposed Standards, comment opportunities, and registration information for upcoming open hearings.

CAAHEP Academy:
Accreditation Workshop Sessions Now Available

The 2026 Accreditation Workshop sessions are now available in the CAAHEP Academy! If you couldn't attend, or attended but want to review concurrent sessions you missed, check out the Academy options. These sessions help educators and accreditation leaders build their knowledge and skills in navigating the CAAHEP accreditation process. We encourage you to visit the Academy and learn more about what's available to you.

Accreditation Topics that Matter Most

Whether you are new to accreditation or preparing for your next review, the recorded workshop sessions offer practical guidance from experienced accreditation professionals. Topics include:

The new CAAHEP Quality Framework
Site visit preparation and readiness
How to prepare students for professional practice
Mentoring and coaching health professions educators
Building confidence as a new program director
From self-study to site visit: how to plan and prepare
Understanding and navigating accommodations for students with disabilities in allied health programs
Plus many more

Each session includes a recorded presentation and downloadable slides, so you can revisit key concepts whenever you need them.

Flexible Learning Options

Choose the option that best fits your professional development needs:

Complete Workshop Package: $250

Gain access to 11 workshop sessions for one low price

Package includes: Eleven recorded sessions, downloadable presentation slides for each session, on-demand access through the CAAHEP Academy, and a savings of more than 50% compared to purchasing sessions individually

Individual Sessions: $50 Each

Interested in a specific topic? Purchase individual sessions and focus on the areas most relevant to your role and program.

If you attended the Workshop, these sessions are accessible to you free of charge.

Please contact academy@caahep.org with questions.

CAAHEP Update for Program Directors

Available in the CAAHEP Academy

263 program representatives attended the September 2nd CAAHEP Update for Program Directors. The topic, "The Organized Program Director," offered tips and ideas for managing the accreditation process year-round. Attendees rated this session 4.76 stars out of five and gave a Net Promoter Score of 79 when asked how likely they were to recommend it to a colleague. If you missed the live event, you can view the recording in the CAAHEP Academy.

Schedule of Upcoming Events for Programs:

December 2, 2026 - 3:00 p.m.Eastern - CAAHEP Update for Program Directors

Topic: The Origin of the CAAHEP Standards Template and How Programs Can Provide Input

March 26, 2027 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern - CAAHEP Update for Program Directors

Topic: TBD

Register for these sessions for free in the CAAHEP Academy under the Events tab. Please contact Academy@caahep.org if you have any questions.

NC-SARA Policy Change Regarding
Distance Education Programs

CAAHEP is sharing important news from the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) for accredited programs and sponsoring institutions offering distance education options.

Nine proposed changes to SARA policies have been unanimously approved by the four regional education compacts through their Regional Steering Committees and will move to the NC-SARA Board of Directors for a final vote during its Fall 2026 meeting.

The proposals address several areas, including clarification of institutional teach-out plan requirements, institutional data reporting, the SARA policy modification process, institutional eligibility, and state membership renewal options. Programs offering distance education may want to be aware of these developments and consider how any approved changes could affect their sponsoring institutions.

Interested programs may watch a livestream of the NC-SARA Board’s public session on Wednesday, October 28, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Complete voting results and information about the proposed policy modifications are also available through NC-SARA.

CAAHEP encourages programs and sponsoring institutions engaged in distance education to stay informed about SARA policy developments and consult NC-SARA resources for the latest information.

CAAHEP Accreditation Actions

Each health science discipline 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 that are responsible for reviewing programs and making appropriate recommendations for accreditation to CAAHEP. CAAHEP reviews recommendations received from its CoAs, assures due process was followed, and takes final action on an accreditation status.

CAAHEP took the following actions at its September 18, 2026 meeting. 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. Where possible, a link to the program's website is provided.

The following program was found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and was granted 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.

Medical Assisting

Maysville Community and Technical College-Licking Valley Campus, Cynthiana, KY

Medical Assisting Diploma

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 2031. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Caris College, Jeffersonville, IN

Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Center for Allied Health Education, Brooklyn, NY

Certificate of Completion in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, San Jose, CA

Associate of Occupational Science in Vascular Ultrasound

Reading Hospital, Reading, PA

Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority, Madison, WI

Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Adult Cardiac Sonography/

Pediatric Cardiac Sonography/Vascular Sonography

Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Abdominal Sonography-Extended/

Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography/Breast

Widener University, Chester, PA

Bachelor of Science in Allied Health, Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Emergency Medical Services Professions-Paramedic

Brazosport College, Lake Jackson, TX

Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services

Advanced Certificate in Emergency Medical Services

Central Texas College, Killeen, TX

Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine

Paramedic Certificate of Completion

Daytona State College-Advanced Technology College, Daytona Beach, FL

Associate of Science in Emergency Medical Services

Paramedic Certificate

El Paso County Community College District-Mission Del Paso Campus, El Paso, TX

Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Paramedic Certificate of Completion

Emergency Education Coalition, Temple, GA

Paramedic Certificate

Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell, MT

Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine

Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge, IA

Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana-Madison, Madison, IN

Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic Science

Paramedic Science Technical Certificate

Lexington Division of Fire and Emergency Services, Lexington, KY

Paramedic Certificate

Maricopa Community Colleges-Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix, AZ

Associate in Applied Science in Paramedicine

Certificate of Completion in Paramedicine

New York Institute of Technology-College of Osteopathic Medicine-Arkansas, Jonesboro, AR

Paramedic Certificate

Northern Virginia Community College-Medical Education Campus, Springfield, VA

Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services

Northwestern Medicine Central at DuPage Hospital, Winfield, IL

Paramedic Certificate

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City, OK

Paramedicine Certificate

Panola College, Carthage, TX

Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Certificate

South Texas College-Dr. Ramiro R. Casso Health Science Professions Campus, McAllen, TX

Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic Certificate

Southeast Technical College, Sioux Falls, SD

Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic Science

Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College, Logan, WV

Associate in Applied Science in Paramedic Science

Southwest Tennessee Community College-Union Avenue Campus, Memphis, TN

Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Paramedic Technical Certificate

Spartanburg Community College-Evans Academic Center, Spartanburg, SC

Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services-General Technology

Paramedic Certificate

University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Paramedic Certificate

Weber State University, Ogden, UT

Certificate of Completion in Paramedic

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 2033. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Cardiovascular Technology

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital-Plano, Plano, TX

Certificate in Adult Echocardiography

Certificate in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology

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.

Medical Assisting

Bryant & Stratton College-Henrietta Campus, Rochester, NY

Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting

Cleveland Community College, Shelby, NC

Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting

Lanier Technical College, Gainesville, GA

Medical Assisting Diploma

North Georgia Technical College, Clarkesville, GA

Advanced Medical Assisting Technical Certificate of Credit

Southeastern Technical College, Vidalia, GA

Advanced Medical Assisting Technical Certificate of Credit

Sullivan University-Dupont Circle, Louisville, KY

Medical Assistant Diploma

University of Alaska Fairbanks-UAF Community and Technical College, Fairbanks, AK

Medical Assistant Certificate

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 2036. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN

Certificate of Completion in Sonography, Abdominal-extended, OB/Gyn, and Vascular Technology

Lactation Consultant

National Louis University, Chicago, IL

Master of Arts in Human Lactation Studies

Bachelor of Science in Maternal Child Health, Human Lactation Major

Polysomnographic Technology

Mercy College of Ohio, Toledo, OH

Polysomnographic Technology Certificate

Surgical Assisting

San Juan College, Farmington, NM

Surgical First Assistant Certificate

Surgical Technology

Angelina College, Lufkin, TX

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

Chesapeake College, Wye Mills, MD

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana-Columbus, Columbus, IN

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

Mercy University of Nursing and Health Professions, Cape Girardeau, MO

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

Walters State Community College-Sevier County Campus, Sevierville, TN

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

Wilson Community College, Wilson, NC

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

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 2031.

Emergency Medical Services Professions-Paramedic

Bunker Hill Community College-Chelsea Campus, Chelsea, MA

Certificate in Paramedic Studies

Kapiolani Community College, Honolulu, HI

Associate in Science in Mobile Intensive Care Technician

Certificate of Achievement in Mobile Intensive Care Technician

Pasco-Hernando State College, New Port Richey, FL

Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services

Paramedic College Credit Certificate

Southwestern Oregon Community College, Coos Bay, OR

Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Paramedic Certificate

UH Conneaut Medical Center, Conneaut, OH

Paramedic Certificate

Medical Assisting

Alamance Community College, Graham, NC

Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting

Lorain County Community College-Lorain High School, Lorain, OH

Medical Assisting, One-Year Technical Certificate

Northcentral Technical College, Wausau, WI

Medical Assistant Technical Diploma

Renton Technical College, Renton, WA

Medical Assistant Certificate

Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon, WA

Medical Assistant Certificate

Vance-Granville Community College, Louisburg, NC

Medical Assisting Diploma

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.

Medical Assisting

Antelope Valley College-Palmdale Center, Palmdale, CA

Medical Assistant Certificate

Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL

Medical Assisting Certificate

Monroe University, Bronx, NY

Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting

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 2031. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Cardiovascular Technology

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA

Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Technology

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, San Jose, CA

Associate in Occupational Science in Cardiac Ultrasound

Pima Medical Institute, San Antonio, TX

Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Emergency Medical Services Professions-Advanced Emergency Medical Technician

James Sprunt Community College, Kenansville, NC

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Certificate

Emergency Medical Services Professions-Paramedic

Bluegrass Community and Technical College-Leestown Campus, Lexington, KY

Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic Certificate

James Sprunt Community College, Kenansville, NC

Paramedic Certificate

John A. Logan College, Carterville, IL

Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Medical Services Certificate of Achievement

Mayland Community College, Spruce Pine, NC

Paramedic Certificate

Merced College, Merced, CA

Associate in Science in Paramedicine

Paramedicine Pre-Professional Certificate

Mesa Fire and Medical Department, Mesa, AZ

Paramedic Certificate

Wilson County Emergency Services District 3, La Vernia, TX

Paramedic Certificate

Exercise Science

Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA

Bachelor of Education in Kinesiology

Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring

SpecialtyCare, Brentwood, TN

Post Baccalaureate Certificate of Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring

Surgical Technology

South College-Dallas Learning Site, Dallas, TX

Associate of Science in Surgical Technology

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, OK

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

The following program was found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and was granted initial accreditation with the next evaluation to occur no later than 2033. This action requires no progress report and was approved on the consent agenda.

Inclusive Rehabilitation Sciences

Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA

Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services

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 2031.

Cardiovascular Technology

Laurel College of Technology, Morgantown, WV

Associate of Specialized Technology in Cardiovascular Technology

Emergency Medical Services Professions-Paramedic

Germanna Community College, Locust Grove, VA

Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Paramedic Certificate

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 2031. This action requires no progress report and was approved on the consent agenda.

Emergency Medical Services Professions-Paramedic

Harrison County Hospital, Corydon, IN

Paramedic Certificate

The following programs maintained their existing accreditation statuses and next evaluation dates, and the changes in academic awards were approved.

Medical Assisting

Central Carolina Technical College-Health Sciences Center, Sumter, SC

Medical Assisting Certificate

Coastal Alabama Community College, Bay Minette, AL

Medical Assistant Technology Certificate