Accreditation is a voluntary process of academic quality control created over 100 years ago by American universities and colleges to distinguish schools adhering to a set of academic touchstones. Organizations that issue these credentials or certify third parties against official standards are themselves formally accredited by accreditation bodies. These are sometimes referred to as “accredited certification bodies”. The accreditation process began to ensure that these accrediting bodies are adhering to certification practices that are acceptable, meaning that they are competent to test and certify third parties.
Accreditations for Healthcare Master’s Degree Programs:
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
One of the six regional accreditation organizations that is recognized by the US Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The SACS accredits 13,000 private and public educational institutions in the Southern US.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is responsible for the accreditation of private and public colleges and universities in the United States.
The Higher Learning Commission North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The Higher Learning Commission of Higher Learning is one of two commission members of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the accrediting body with responsibility for regional accreditation of degree awarding colleges and universities in the North Central States.
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
Founded in 1968, The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) has been given recognition by US Department of Education (DOE) and the Council of Higher Education as the premier accrediting organization for graduate programs in Healthcare Management in the United States and Canada. The Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) requires Master’s programs to have this accreditation (CAHME) before they can be considered a full member.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Based in Overland Park, Kansas, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) offers accreditation to business programs that are focused on teaching and learning. They fill the need for a specialized organization to accredit colleges and universities with business programs and schools.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (AACN) is the only existing national organization for nursing that is dedicated to the advancement of nursing education. This organization focuses on the advancement of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education. Established in 1969, the AACN now represents more than 725 universities and four-year nursing schools in the United States. The goal of this organization is to establish high quality standards for Bachelor’s and Graduate degree programs to assist nursing schools in implementing standards to improve healthcare.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) was founded in 1916 to accredit schools of business and to evaluate, advance and recommend improvements to drive them to higher standards of education. The 2013 Standard was set to institute regulations driving innovation to impact student populations, employers and the communities they serve. Some of the founding members were: Columbia University, Harvard College, New York University, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Tulane, California Berkley, Purdue University, U of P, University of Pittsburgh and Yale University
When searching for a degree in Healthcare Management at any level it is important to consider the accreditations awarded to the school and the program you plan to attend. A degree from a fully accredited university or college will help your job search and your ability to receive professional affiliations. A degree from a fully accredited Healthcare Management Degree program is an excellent way to enter the innovative field of Healthcare Management.
Related Resources:
- What is a Probationary Accreditation for a Master of Public Health Program?
- What is CEPH Accreditation?
- What is the Accreditation I Should Look for in a School of Public Health?
- What Types of Accreditation Do Senior Living Facilities Pursue?
- What is JCAHO?
- How Do Healthcare Facilities Prevent Medication Errors?
- What Safety Measures Do Healthcare Take to Combat Gun Violence?
- 5 Ways Healthcare Facilities Are Being Affected by the Opioid Crisis
- How Do Healthcare Facilities Maintain Compliance with JCAHO?
- Top 15 Online Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS) Degrees