February 2021
From the President
Let me just say, “Wow, CAAHEP knows how to get a year started.” The roll-out of a new Standards Template, creating an international accreditation review process, and an outstanding leadership conference and annual meeting (record attendance) packed with great information and dialogue. Who says you can’t be productive during the midst of a pandemic? The great work of CAAHEP does not slow down and it is reflected in the outcomes below.
Our keynote speaker and President of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, Ph.D., shared her vision for CHEA and the keywords that help shape that vision. As I listened, the better I felt about how CAAHEP embraces those keywords: change, quality, innovation, equity, and student outcomes. I thought it would be good to address some examples of each of these in some of our most recent accomplishments.
Let’s start with Change. I couldn’t agree more with Dr. Jackson-Hammond when she said, “Undoubtedly, CAAHEP has participated in some serious introspections regarding emergency changes and long-term changes as it relates to allied health programs. No other accrediting organization has been more impacted during COVID than CAAHEP.” CAAHEP, the Committees on Accreditations and programs were quick to react and make the necessary changes to allow for continued operations during this pandemic. Policies were modified and new ones developed in order to stay current with our changing environment. Additionally, CAAHEP has embraced change as is reflective in our newly-adopted Standards Template which represents 1000’s of hours of work.
Next was Quality. Quality should be a foundation on which we base decisions on a daily basis. CAAHEP strives to ensure that students are receiving high-quality education and training in order to achieve stated outcomes. The Distance Education Task Force, which was appointed this past year, presented an overview of its white paper at our Board meeting and Leadership Conference. It was clearly evident that the recommendations coming forward from this group will be focused on sound best practices to ensure quality educational outcomes.
Dr. Jackson-Hammond shared, “Innovation is a constant reminder in how we engage in continuous improvement. It is to our benefit as accreditors that we always think in terms of continuous improvement. Be on the cutting edge of being the best that we can be. The role of innovation is going to be a paradigm that the public will require the institutions and accreditors to explore.” The whole CAAHEP family has been leading the charge on innovation. Our programs quickly adapted and found new and innovative methods to ensure students continued to have engaging educational pathways for achieving their respective profession’s outcomes. Additionally, CAAHEP and the CoAs have been innovative and used shared synergies to forge pathways for virtual site visits. At the time of this writing, there have been over 100 virtual site visits completed.
“Equity has to be part of the discussion. How do we think about what is happening in the community as an integrated concern as it relates to accreditation? Those are not issues we can push aside and become separated from the communities we serve,” said Dr. Jackson-Hammond. CAAHEP strives to recognize the role equity plays within our sphere. A great example of this is the ongoing work to establish CAAHEP’s International Accreditation review, which will ensure that our international students are being prepared equitably to achieve the same expected outcomes as their peers in the United States. It’s important that our public members on boards and our advisory committees represent our communities of interest and help to ensure equity is part of the discussion and decision making.
Student learning outcomes are central to our mission. Our accreditation standards, policy, innovation, and assurance of equity should be centered around ensuring quality educational outcomes for our students.
As a point of business, I want to make sure that everyone is aware that the address has changed for CAAHEP. The new address is:
9355 113th Street N., #7709, Seminole, FL. 33775
The phone, fax, and email address remain the same. This was a strategic move as many organizations have found, they can operate efficiently and fiscally sound while working from home. This is just another sign of our innovation and ability to change.
Lastly, our wonderful CAAHEP Executive Director, Kathy Megivern, has announced that she intends to retire at the end of 2021. Words can’t express the sincere gratitude owed to Kathy for the over 20 years of being at the helm and helping guide us through the many challenges and opportunities. Kathy, thank you on behalf of the whole CAAHEP family and I know you are looking forward to being able to enjoy retirement.
On behalf of the CAAHEP Board of Directors and Staff please be safe and well as we forge ahead into 2021.
Glen
Glen Mayhew, DHSc, NRP
CAAHEP President
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Two Recognized for Exceptional Service |
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At the January CAAHEP Virtual Annual Meeting, two of CAAHEP's most cherished volunteers were recognized with the William W. Goding Award for Exceptional Service. The criteria for the award are:
- Advancing CAAHEP's mission and goals;
- Assuming leadership responsibilities with CAAHEP;
- Exhibiting notable participation in one or more CAAHEP activities and/or programs; and,
- Advancing ideas and/or new strategies to benefit the Organization.
Both recipients are shining examples of the award criteria. Please join us in congratulating:
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Kate Feinstein, MD, FACR
Dr. Feinstein has been a member of the CAAHEP board of directors since running for office in 2014, as a commissioner representing the American College of Radiology (ACR). She is a fellow of the American College of Radiology, an honor bestowed on less than 12 percent of radiologists.
She has been an active member of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Her passion for accreditation of educational programs in sonography was evident as she served as a director, treasurer, and site visitor. This was the beginning of Kate’s generosity of her time, talents, and passion for supporting a mission and advancing its goals.
As the ACR Commissioner, she continued to advance CAAHEP’s purpose as a member of the CAAHEP Board of Directors. She served as an active member of the Audit/Finance, Nominations and Elections, and Performance Oversight Committees, where she always provided thoughtful and timely input. She serves as liaison to Medical Assisting Education Review Board, a position she's held since 2015.
Kate was re-elected to a 2nd term on the CAAHEP Board in 2017. Her leadership responsibilities continued as the Treasurer of CAAHEP and became chair of the Audit/Finance Committee. Even after her Board term ended in July 2020, she welcomed the opportunity to serve the organization by remaining on the Performance Oversight Committees. Also noted is her ability to be open to new strategies as she is a supporter of International Accreditation and Virtual Site Visits. She was instrumental in conducting the JRC-DMS’s first virtual site visit in November 2014 as the CoA's “boots-on-the-ground” site visitor. Her onsite assistance made it possible to complete the virtual site visit in case of any technical issues.
It is fitting that Kate is a recipient of the highest honor awarded by CAAHEP!
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Douglas K. York, NREMT-P, PS (NAEMT)
Doug York is well-deserving of the William W. Goding Award for Exceptional Service because he is a strong proponent for CAAHEP accreditation as demonstrated by his many acts and acceptance of multiple duties.
Doug has served two terms on the CAAHEP Board. While doing so, he has served as an active member of the Recommendation Review Committee. He assumed responsibility for CAAHEP special programs, including serving as Liaison to two CoAs, the Joint Review Committee for Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) and the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Education Committee on Accreditation (RATE). These are positions he continues to hold even after his term on the Board has concluded. He is noted for his guidance and willingness to help the CoAs succeed.
He serves as a site visitor for the cardiovascular technology, assistive technology, and EMS-paramedic CoAs. In addition, Doug has conducted site visitor training at the CAAHEP level, as well as the CoA level with assistive technology, blood banking, and EMS-Paramedic.
He is always willing to share his expertise on committees and task forces and served as a contributing member on the Distance Education Task Force and Site Visitor Training Task Force. Doug engages in tough conversations on advancing ideas and/or new strategies to benefit the organization.
Advancing CAAHEP’s mission is the foundation of Doug’s past and continued involvement with CAAHEP. Doug is humble and kind and is willing to support the organization's mission where he is needed. He is truly worthy of the William W. Goding Award for Exceptional Service, and CAAHEP is fortunate to have him as a valuable resource.
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The Superheroes of the CoAs |
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During the 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting, CAAHEP was honored to spotlight individuals nominated by their Committee on Accreditation (CoA) as their CoA's Superhero. These individuals and groups were recognized for their support of the CoA, sharing of their expertise, and dedication to excellence in health sciences education accreditation. Throughout 2021, CAAHEP is honored to spotlight these Superheroes in the Communique newsletter. Here are the first four Superhero Spotlights: |
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Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education |
ACATE is proud to recognize Janet Kempf, ATR-BC, LPC, for her tireless work on behalf of the CoA. We appreciate the confidence she inspires as she quickly and thoroughly responds to questions and concerns, and she does so with a spirit of respect for her colleagues. ACATE members are better because we work with her, and our profession aims for its highest goals with her support. Our profession and the work of the accreditation will be forever indebted and we offer this nomination by unanimous vote.
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Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions |
David Becker, MA, NRP, is a steadfast supporter of CAAHEP accreditation and the CoAEMSP. He is one of CoAEMSP's unsung heroes who gives everything to support accreditation excellence through the CAAHEP process. David is the creator behind ACCREDITCON, leading the national EMS accreditation conference that promotes collaboration for advancing excellence through accreditation; site visitor and team captain, averaging more than one per month; a member of the Board of Directors, serving as its Treasurer/Secretary and acting as a good steward of CoAEMSP's money; and an all-around good person and advocate for national accreditation and CoAEMSP. David is our superhero.
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Medical Assisting Education Review Board |
Leadership during the pandemic requires a real superhero. Sarah Marino, Ph.D., has been MAERB’s champion. Her commitment and dedication to serving the MAERB community did not waiver when challenges presented. She approached the tasks at hand with the same finesse and enthusiasm as she does her “regular” work as the MAERB Executive Director. Overnight, she initiated safety plans to protect the MAERB office, volunteers, programs, and students. Sarah also provided a listening ear, created assessment tools, and held platforms to hear from medical assisting program directors from around the country. Not only did she gather information, but she analyzed it and acted swiftly to implement plans that would support the various needs of the medical assisting programs. Sarah remains completely engaged during these fluid times and continues to work to ensure that MAERB responds appropriately to changing conditions. For these reasons described above and many more, MAERB recognizes Sarah Marino as our CoA superhero.
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Accreditation Committee Perfusion Education |
The Accreditation Committee - Perfusion Education recognizes a group of esteemed perfusionists who have contributed their time and expertise over the past several years as the AC-PE has worked to visit and evaluate programs (both on-site and virtually), revise educational Standards and curriculum, and create and launch recorded educational sessions for perfusion clinical instructors.
The leadership of these individuals, as well as their contributions and dedication to the perfusion profession, are truly cherished!
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The CAAHEP Annual Report for 2019-2020 fiscal year is now available online. While this past fiscal year started out "normal," it quickly turned into a year like no other. CAAHEP maintained its flexibility, supported the CoAs and programs, and learned a great deal in the process. We encourage you to review the accomplishments made this past year covered in the online 2019-2020 CAAHEP Annual Report.
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If you have not had a chance to review the webinars CAAHEP has conducted over the past year, you still have an opportunity to do so. Posted on our website are a number of sessions to support CAAHEP accredited programs, as well as provide information on higher education accreditation and working in today's health care environment. Check out what's available on the Webinars page on the CAAHEP website.
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Each profession 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 in each profession, assures due process was followed, and takes final action on an accreditation status.
CAAHEP took the following actions at the January 15, 2021, meeting. Actions are identified by profession, action taken, date of the next comprehensive evaluation, and whether a progress report to improve program compliance is required. In some cases, the concentration and/or degree are also specified. To view a copy of the most recent accreditation award letter for a program, which includes information about the accreditation decision, visit the program’s listing on the Find An Accredited Program section of the CAAHEP website. Where possible, links to each 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 2021. This action requires no progress report and was approved on the consent agenda.
Surgical 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 2025. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.
Medical Assisting
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 2026. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.
Anesthesiologist Assistant
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Medical Assisting
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 2028. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.
Cardiovascular Technology
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 2030. This action requires no progress report and was approved on the consent agenda.
Surgical 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 2031. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.
Anesthesia Technology
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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 2026.
Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic
The following program was 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 program was granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2031.
Perfusion
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 2026. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.
Art Therapy
Cardiovascular Technology
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Surgical Technology
The following program was 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 program was granted initial accreditation with the next evaluation to occur no later than 2026.
Medical Assisting
The following program was placed on probationary accreditation, with one or more Standards requiring critical attention and timely resolution to bring the program into compliance with the Standards and Guidelines and a progress report required to be submitted to the appropriate Committee on Accreditation (CoA).
Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic
CAAHEP voted to withdraw accreditation from the following program, due to non-compliance with one or more Standards. The appeals period has passed, and this decision is final.
Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic
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Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775-7709
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