Accreditation Process

The Accreditation Process

The CAHSE accreditation process is a voluntary “seal of approval” designed to provide a framework for continuous program planning, evaluation, and quality improvement. This rigorous peer-review process ensures that programs in Health Science meet national Standards and effectively prepare students for the healthcare workforce.

Below is the step-by-step roadmap for programs pursuing accreditation.

Phase 1:

Initial Accreditation

(The Path to Candidacy)

Programs not currently accredited must first be accepted into Candidacy Status before they can participate in the full review process.

Meet Pre-Application Requirements: Programs must ensure they have a permanent, full-time Program Director, necessary full-time faculty, and are housed within an institution accredited by a USDE-recognized organization.

Submit Documentation: Programs must email seven required documents, including a Letter of Intent from the institution’s CEO, curriculum synopses, and syllabi, to the appropriate application submission address.

Application Review: Upon payment of the application fee, CAHSE staff reviews the materials within 90 days to ensure all requirements are met.

Acceptance into Candidacy: Successful programs are assigned a CAHSE Educational Program Code (EPC) and a due date for their Self-Assessment, which is typically one year from the date Candidacy was achieved

Phase 2:

The Comprehensive Program Review

(The 5-Stage Process)

Once Candidacy is established, or when an accredited program reaches the end of its seven-year term, it enters the Comprehensive Program Review Process.

Stage 1: Self-Assessment

The program forms a committee to conduct a thorough qualitative and quantitative evaluation of its own effectiveness. Using the CAHSE Accreditation System (CAS), the program identifies its strengths and weaknesses and demonstrates how it meets each Accreditation Standard.

Stage 2: Site Visit

A team of trained Peer Reviewers (volunteer academic professionals) conducts a virtual or on-site visit to validate the Self-Assessment. They interview students, faculty, and advisory committees, and review physical or digital program records to ensure the program’s operations align with its stated goals and CAHSE Standards.

Stage 3: Program Response

After the visit, a Site Visit Report is generated. The program is required to provide a formal response to this report within 30 days of receipt.

Stage 4: Council Recommendation

The Health Science Accreditation Council (HSAC) evaluates the program’s level of compliance after reviewing all assessment stages and the program’s responses. The Council then makes a formal recommendation for accreditation status to the Board of Directors.

Stage 5: Board of Directors Decision

The CAHSE Board of Directors reviews the recommendation at it’s next meeting to make the final decision to approve or defer the accreditation award.

Official Notification

Programs are officially notified of their accreditation status after the Board of Directors has made a final decision. They are listed on the program directory and accessible to the public. Programs are accredited for a period of seven (7) years before the next accreditation cycle commences.