Accreditation Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\nThe CAHSM accreditation process is a voluntary “seal of approval” designed to provide a framework for continuous program planning, evaluation, and quality improvement<\/strong>. This rigorous peer-review process ensures that programs in Health Services Management meet national Standards and effectively prepare students for the healthcare workforce.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below is the step-by-step roadmap for programs pursuing accreditation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\nPhase 1: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nInitial Accreditation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n(The Path to Candidacy)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrograms not currently accredited must first be accepted into Candidacy Status<\/strong> before they can participate in the full review process.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMeet the Requirements:<\/strong> Prior to the application process, a sponsoring institution must develop a program that meets the professional curriculum content and quality of the program as measured by the Health Services Management Accreditation Standards and Program administrators must ensure that the program is sustainable per its resource and needs assessment. The program must be developed to ensure stability professionally and financially.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNote<\/strong>: Programs applying for initial accreditation do not have to wait until they have a graduating class to apply<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE ABOUT THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSTEP 1: Letter of Intent & Credentialing Disclaimer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSubmit Documentation:<\/strong> Once the program verifies that it meets the minimum requirements for application and has begun enrollments, the program\u2019s President \/ CEO submits the letter of intent describing its readiness to pursue accreditation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe letter of intent must include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Describe support for the program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- State reasons for the program inception or program need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Confirm state and institutional authority to provide the degree-granting program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Indicate the month and year of the program launch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Indicate projected month and year of first graduation class<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Credentialing Disclaimer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn addition to the Letter of Intent, programs must sign the Credentialing Disclaimer statement found here<\/a>. The document must be signed by someone with signing authority at the institution. <\/p>\n\n\n\nClick the button below to submit a letter of intent for accreditation and a signed credentialing disclaimer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSUBMIT LETTER OF INTENT & CREDENTIALING DISCLAIMER<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSTEP 2: Program Submits Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPrograms will be invoiced an application fee<\/a> when submitting their application for accreditation, prior to acceptance into candidacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen applying for CAHIIM accreditation, there are six (6) required documents that must be completed prior to the submission to CAHIIM:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Curriculum Mapping Document<\/strong>
\u2013 Complete and upload the Curriculum Mapping document found here<\/a>.
2. Syllabi (2)
<\/strong>\u2013 Submit a sample syllabus for a core Health Services Management course from the final phase of the program.
\u2013 Submit the syllabus for their required applied experiential learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) for the Program Director<\/strong>
\u2013 Submitted CV must be up-to-date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Curriculum Vitae for the Faculty Members
<\/strong>\u2013 Faculty member(s) must be teaching in the program. Submitted CVs must be up-to-date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Profile Page<\/strong>
\u2013 The profile page is a document which provides CAHIIM with all contact information for the program.
\u2013 The blank, fillable document can be downloaded here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSTEP 3: Application Review<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nUpon payment of the application fee, CAHSM staff reviews the materials within 90 days to ensure all requirements are met. Programs may be requested to provide additional information or clarification. CAHSM’s senior staff reserves the right to make final administrative decisions of a program\u2019s application status with CAHSM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
STEP 4: Acceptance into Candidacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSuccessful programs are invoiced a candidacy fee, assigned a CAHSM Educational Program Code (EPC) and a Self-Assessment due date, and provided with their CAHSM Accreditation System (CAS) login information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An application may be rejected if it does not meet the conditions for application or there are documented issues of non-compliance with the Standards at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Expiration of Candidacy Status<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis status will be terminated if it is found that the requirements for candidacy have not been maintained at any time or the maximum 2-year period has elapsed. If the program has been informed of this action, the program must reapply by submitting a new application for candidacy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\nPhase 2: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Comprehensive Program Review <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n(The 5-Stage Process)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce Candidacy is established (for new programs<\/em>), or when an accredited program reaches the end of its seven-year term (continuing programs<\/em>), it enters the Comprehensive Program Review Process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 1: Program Submits Self-Assessment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nUsing the CAHSM Accreditation System (CAS), the program identifies its strengths and weaknesses and demonstrates how it meets each Accreditation Standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Staff completes a formal review and assessment of the information submitted and provides a preliminary assessment within 90 days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Request for clarification or additional information may be requested and is reviewed by CAHSM quality education staff in the order received. The program\u2019s site visit date is coordinated during this time, and the program is invoiced the Site Vi<\/a>s<\/a>it Fee<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe following documents will be provided for this stage:
1. Site Visit Checklist
2. Site Visit Itinerary Template<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 2: Site Visit<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nA 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 CAHSM Standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 3: Program Response<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter the site visit is concluded, the site visit team will complete a Site Visit Report that is generated within 10 days of the conclusion of the visit. The program is required to provide a formal response to this report within 30 days of receipt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 4: Council Recommendation<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Health Science Accreditation Council (HSAC) evaluates the program\u2019s level of compliance after reviewing all assessment stages and the program\u2019s responses. The Council then makes a formal recommendation for accreditation status to the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 5: Board of Directors Decision<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe CAHSM Board of Directors reviews the recommendation at its next meeting to make the final decision to approve or defer the accreditation award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Programs with unresolved Standard deficiencies that require additional implementation time may be assigned a six-month Progress Report. Programs must complete and submit this report within the Accreditation System by the specified due date. Failure to submit this report by the due date may place the program on Administrative Probationary Accreditation<\/a>. An unsatisfactory progress report or a Substantive Change in Program Director during the progress report process may result in a Focused Review and site visit of the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Official Notification<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nPrograms are officially notified of their accreditation status within 10 days of the Board of Directors’ 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nSituations that Adversely Affect the Application Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\nChange in Program Director<\/strong>: A change in Program Director is prohibited during the application process and will lead to the removal of Candidate Status, and the application is rejected if the Self Assessment stage has already been submitted.
A stable program with no deficiencies may appoint a new permanent Program Director who is a full-time faculty member who meets the qualifications of Program Director in the Standards. The new Program Director candidate must have been employed and have had involvement in the program for a minimum of 12 months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nOther Useful Links<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nValue of Accreditation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Learn more about the benefits of accreditation and why programs seek to undergo this voluntary process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nlearn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aw-innovations.matrixdev.net\/cahsm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/Social-Media-2-86.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEligibility Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLearn more about the prerequisites programs must meet before applying for candidacy<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nlearn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aw-innovations.matrixdev.net\/cahsm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/Social-Media-2-81-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAccreditation Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step-by-step overview from initial application to full accreditation<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\naccreditation process<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aw-innovations.matrixdev.net\/cahsm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/Social-Media-2-82-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAccreditation Standards & Curricular Competencies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nView the current Accreditation Standards and Curricular Competencies for each program level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ndownload<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aw-innovations.matrixdev.net\/cahsm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/Social-Media-2-80-1-1024x606.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nReaffirmation & Maintenance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLearn more about the annual reporting and maintaining compliance<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CAHSM accreditation process is a voluntary “seal of approval” designed to provide a framework for continuous program planning, evaluation, and quality improvement<\/strong>. This rigorous peer-review process ensures that programs in Health Services Management meet national Standards and effectively prepare students for the healthcare workforce.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Below is the step-by-step roadmap for programs pursuing accreditation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Initial Accreditation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n (The Path to Candidacy)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Programs not currently accredited must first be accepted into Candidacy Status<\/strong> before they can participate in the full review process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meet the Requirements:<\/strong> Prior to the application process, a sponsoring institution must develop a program that meets the professional curriculum content and quality of the program as measured by the Health Services Management Accreditation Standards and Program administrators must ensure that the program is sustainable per its resource and needs assessment. The program must be developed to ensure stability professionally and financially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note<\/strong>: Programs applying for initial accreditation do not have to wait until they have a graduating class to apply<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Submit Documentation:<\/strong> Once the program verifies that it meets the minimum requirements for application and has begun enrollments, the program\u2019s President \/ CEO submits the letter of intent describing its readiness to pursue accreditation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The letter of intent must include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Credentialing Disclaimer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to the Letter of Intent, programs must sign the Credentialing Disclaimer statement found here<\/a>. The document must be signed by someone with signing authority at the institution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Click the button below to submit a letter of intent for accreditation and a signed credentialing disclaimer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Programs will be invoiced an application fee<\/a> when submitting their application for accreditation, prior to acceptance into candidacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When applying for CAHIIM accreditation, there are six (6) required documents that must be completed prior to the submission to CAHIIM:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Curriculum Mapping Document<\/strong> 4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) for the Program Director<\/strong> 5. Curriculum Vitae for the Faculty Members 6. Profile Page<\/strong> Upon payment of the application fee, CAHSM staff reviews the materials within 90 days to ensure all requirements are met. Programs may be requested to provide additional information or clarification. CAHSM’s senior staff reserves the right to make final administrative decisions of a program\u2019s application status with CAHSM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Successful programs are invoiced a candidacy fee, assigned a CAHSM Educational Program Code (EPC) and a Self-Assessment due date, and provided with their CAHSM Accreditation System (CAS) login information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An application may be rejected if it does not meet the conditions for application or there are documented issues of non-compliance with the Standards at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expiration of Candidacy Status<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This status will be terminated if it is found that the requirements for candidacy have not been maintained at any time or the maximum 2-year period has elapsed. If the program has been informed of this action, the program must reapply by submitting a new application for candidacy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The Comprehensive Program Review <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n (The 5-Stage Process)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Once Candidacy is established (for new programs<\/em>), or when an accredited program reaches the end of its seven-year term (continuing programs<\/em>), it enters the Comprehensive Program Review Process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stage 1: Program Submits Self-Assessment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Using the CAHSM Accreditation System (CAS), the program identifies its strengths and weaknesses and demonstrates how it meets each Accreditation Standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Staff completes a formal review and assessment of the information submitted and provides a preliminary assessment within 90 days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Request for clarification or additional information may be requested and is reviewed by CAHSM quality education staff in the order received. The program\u2019s site visit date is coordinated during this time, and the program is invoiced the Site Vi<\/a>s<\/a>it Fee<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following documents will be provided for this stage: 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 CAHSM Standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the site visit is concluded, the site visit team will complete a Site Visit Report that is generated within 10 days of the conclusion of the visit. The program is required to provide a formal response to this report within 30 days of receipt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Health Science Accreditation Council (HSAC) evaluates the program\u2019s level of compliance after reviewing all assessment stages and the program\u2019s responses. The Council then makes a formal recommendation for accreditation status to the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CAHSM Board of Directors reviews the recommendation at its next meeting to make the final decision to approve or defer the accreditation award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Programs with unresolved Standard deficiencies that require additional implementation time may be assigned a six-month Progress Report. Programs must complete and submit this report within the Accreditation System by the specified due date. Failure to submit this report by the due date may place the program on Administrative Probationary Accreditation<\/a>. An unsatisfactory progress report or a Substantive Change in Program Director during the progress report process may result in a Focused Review and site visit of the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Official Notification<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Programs are officially notified of their accreditation status within 10 days of the Board of Directors’ 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Change in Program Director<\/strong>: A change in Program Director is prohibited during the application process and will lead to the removal of Candidate Status, and the application is rejected if the Self Assessment stage has already been submitted. Learn more about the benefits of accreditation and why programs seek to undergo this voluntary process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about the prerequisites programs must meet before applying for candidacy<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step-by-step overview from initial application to full accreditation<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n View the current Accreditation Standards and Curricular Competencies for each program level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about the annual reporting and maintaining compliance<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPhase 1: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
STEP 1: Letter of Intent & Credentialing Disclaimer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
STEP 2: Program Submits Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 Complete and upload the Curriculum Mapping document found here<\/a>.
2. Syllabi (2)
<\/strong>\u2013 Submit a sample syllabus for a core Health Services Management course from the final phase of the program.
\u2013 Submit the syllabus for their required applied experiential learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 Submitted CV must be up-to-date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>\u2013 Faculty member(s) must be teaching in the program. Submitted CVs must be up-to-date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 The profile page is a document which provides CAHIIM with all contact information for the program.
\u2013 The blank, fillable document can be downloaded here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSTEP 3: Application Review<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
STEP 4: Acceptance into Candidacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Phase 2: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Site Visit Checklist
2. Site Visit Itinerary Template<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 2: Site Visit<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 3: Program Response<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 4: Council Recommendation<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 5: Board of Directors Decision<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\nSituations that Adversely Affect the Application Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A stable program with no deficiencies may appoint a new permanent Program Director who is a full-time faculty member who meets the qualifications of Program Director in the Standards. The new Program Director candidate must have been employed and have had involvement in the program for a minimum of 12 months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nOther Useful Links<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Value of Accreditation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEligibility Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAccreditation Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAccreditation Standards & Curricular Competencies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nReaffirmation & Maintenance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aw-innovations.matrixdev.net\/cahsm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/Social-Media-2-84-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aw-innovations.matrixdev.net\/cahsm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/Social-Media-2-85-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aw-innovations.matrixdev.net\/cahsm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/Social-Media-2-93.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n