Trying to find the right program at the right institution can be a complicated and confusing process. CAAHEP's goal is to provide students (and parents) accurate information on the programs that meet CAAHEP Standards.
Accreditation is the process of assessing the quality of institutions, programs, and services and measuring them against recognized quality standards. The accreditation process is designed to evaluate and ensure that these standards are met. Programmatic (or specialized) accreditation assesses specific programs within an educational institution (e.g., diagnostic medical sonography program or EMS-paramedic program). That’s what CAAHEP does – reviews individual education programs to make sure they meet the standards of the profession. The CAAHEP standards by which these programs are measured have been developed primarily by the professionals involved in each discipline, are approved by each profession, and are intended to reflect the required knowledge and skills that a person needs to be able to successfully function within that profession. CAAHEP Standards focus on quality outcomes, ensuring that educational programs prepare competent entry-level health care professionals. This means CAAHEP-accredited programs provide the educational foundation necessary to begin a successful career in many allied health professions. Accreditation in health-related disciplines also plays a critical role for the public. Along with certification and licensure, accreditation helps ensure that health care personnel are well-prepared and qualified.
In many health care fields, graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program is required in order to become certified or licensed. It is important to know the accreditation status of a program, as well as the certification or licensure requirements of the profession you are studying before selecting a program. With this knowledge, you can be sure to enroll in a program that allows you to seek certification or licensure upon graduation and keeps you moving forward in your career.
"National recognition that our program meets the standards and guidelines expected of other successful programs. It gives prospective students and their parents a comparable measurement of success in choosing the program they desire." - Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Director, August 2025
"With being CAAHEP accredited, our students know that they will receive rigorous training in our classes and that this will better prepare them for their externship and working in the field." - Medical Assisting Program Director, December 2025
"CAAHEP accreditation ensures high-quality, nationally recognized programs, offering students better career opportunities, improved employment prospects, and easier credentialing. Employers benefit by hiring workforce-ready graduates, and the public gains assurance of competent, safe healthcare professionals." - Surgical Technology Program Director, October 2025
