CAAHEP Communiqué

October 2024

From the President

Barry S. Eckert, Ph.D., FASAHP

2023-2025 CAAHEP President

Greetings,

On October 9, 2024, I had the privilege of serving as a panelist in a workshop sponsored by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) that considered the topic “Exploring the Changing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Legislation and Policy Landscape and Its Impact on Health and Public Health’s Workforce, Education, Training, and Research.” The workshop featured five panels that discussed this issue from the viewpoint of various stakeholders:

Panel I: The History, Evolution, and Current State of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Legislation and Policy Landscape. Panelists - Medical Education.
Panel II: National Student Associations Perspectives on DEI Legislation in Academic Health Institutions. Panelists -Health Professions students
Panel III: Academic Health Institutions Strategies and Approaches for Advancing DEI. Panelists – Academic Health Centers
Panel IV: The Impact of DEI Legislation in Health Professions Accreditation Agencies. Panelists – Programmatic Accreditors
Panel V: Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) Perspectives and Strategies on Sustaining DEI. Panelists – Representatives from Minority Serving Institutions.

Each panel featured three to four panelists with expertise in their topic; I was on Panel IV, which focused on accreditation. CAAHEP does not have any Standards specific to Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion. The discussion in Panel IV centered around the potential impact of accreditation policies and state laws on programs and students.

The adoption of anti-DEI legislation at the state level began only recently, therefore data related to its impact is only starting to emerge. Panelists highlighted several concerns with this legislation, based on their knowledge of delivery and access to health care. Among those concerns were:

Potential reduction in the diversity of the healthcare workforce: It is critically important that healthcare professionals understand the needs, customs, and traditions of the communities for whom they care. When cultural concordance exists, where patient care providers are representative of or have cultural connections, their impact, and ability to care for patients is enhanced in these communities.
Potential reduction in access to health professions careers among students from underrepresented communities: Legislation that limits attention to DEI in health professions education will reduce the number of graduates of color, not only by changes in the demographics of admitted students but also by limiting an institution’s ability to provide an appropriate, supportive learning environment for all students.
Variations among state anti-DEI legislation may affect the consistency of quality that is ensured by accreditation: One benefit of programmatic accreditation by a national accreditor is the assurance that standards of quality are applied uniformly to all programs. Different state legislations requiring differing program responses could diminish the consistency of quality that accreditation provides.

The video of the workshop is available, and printed proceedings are published. Visit the NASEM Events page to view the session.

Sincerely,

Barry S. Eckert, Ph.D., FASAHP

President

(Questions about this article may be directed to Dr. Eckert at beckert@caahep.org)

Commission Activities

The Commission held a Special Meeting on October 28, 2024, and took the following actions:

Approved amendments to the the CAAHEP Bylaws. An updated version of the Bylaws will be posted on the CAAHEP website in the coming week.
Approved a new Committee on Accreditation member of CAAHEP, the Committee on Accreditation, the Council on Program Accreditation for Clinical Ethicist Training (CoPACET) for the Clinical Ethics discipline.
Approved a new Sponsoring Organization member of CAAHEP - the Association of Anesthesiologist Assistant Education Programs (AAAEP), supporting the Accreditation Review Committee for the Anesthesiologist Assistant.

2025 CAAHEP Symposium

Get ready for an inspiring and informative experience at the 2025 CAAHEP Symposium! Join us on January 17-18, 2025, at the Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, for two days of networking, learning, and celebrating the achievements of allied health professionals.

Session Topics: Check out the dynamic topics planned for the Symposium, and see the preliminary agenda on the CAAHEP website:

Successful Transitions from Student to Professional: Learn essential strategies for a smooth transition from student to professional.
The Outlook on Higher Education in the US: Gain insights into the evolving landscape of higher education.
CAAHEP Strategic Plan Update: Get the latest on CAAHEP activities and progress on important goals.
Advocacy for Higher Education Accreditation: Learn how to advocate on all levels.
Registered Apprenticeships in Health Professions: A point/counter point session.
Professional Associations, Certifying Body, and Accreditors: Find out how to effectively collaborate
Washington Update: Stay informed on policy insights.
Ethical Considerations: Delve into the world of clinical ethics

Discover new Tools and Products: Explore the latest products, programs, and tools from our sponsors, who will be showcasing their innovative solutions to help your organization thrive.

Celebrate Excellence at the CAAHEP Awards Reception: Join us for a special evening to honor the recipient of the William W. Goding Award for Exceptional Service for making a significant impact on allied health education.

Enjoy your stay: The beautiful Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, is the ultimate location for a mid-January getaway. This official Walt Disney World® Hotel, where magic meets modern sophistication, offers beautifully appointed rooms, close proximity to the airport and theme parks, great restaurants, and plenty of activities. CAAHEP has secured a discounted room rate of $174/night, with resort fees included! If you are planning to bring your family, you can extend your stay from January 13 through January 19, 2025, and receive the discounted room rate.

Register Today: Registration is now open! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable insights into the future of allied health education. Watch the CAAHEP Symposium page for updates.

CAAHEP is Hiring

CAAHEP has a position opening for an Operations and Events Coordinator to work under the direct supervision of the executive director to provide general administrative support and coordinate the operations and events of the Commission effectively. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented and has strong interpersonal communication skills and experience managing projects. This is a full-time, remote position with some travel. Review the full job description here. Please share this information with others you think may be qualified and could become part of the CAAHEP team!

Cardiovascular Standards

At its September meeting, the CAAHEP Board approved the revised Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Cardiovascular Technology. The updated Standards are posted on the CAAHEP website and are effective on August 1, 2025. Congratulations to the Joint Review Committee for Cardiovascular Technology on the development of these Standards and on the project's completion. Thank you to the following sponsoring organizations that endorsed the new Standards:

Value of Accreditation: How Accreditation of Paramedic Education Programs is Helping to Address the Workforce Crisis

In a recent EMS1.com article, Michael Miller, EdD, RN, NRP, Assistant Director of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions, reported on positive research findings on EMS student attrition and retention and on CoAEMSP's "multidimensional solutions to continuing to increase the number of qualified paramedics in the workforce." The article notes increase in:

the number of individuals learning to become paramedics at CAAHEP accredited programs and CoAEMSP Letter of Review Programs,
the enrollment and graduation rates,
the number of passing the Registry exam, and
the strong positive placement in the field.

From the research the CoAEMSP has developed goals to "ensure conditions are right for [qualified paramedics] to stay in the workforce." Dr. Miller notes, "CoAEMSP is committed to maximizing existing strategies and identifying new ones to grow the paramedic workforce while also continuing to maintain quality and accountability in education through accreditation."

Read the full article on the EMS1.com website here.

Miller, M., 10/31/2024, How Accreditation of Paramedic Education Programs is Helping to Address the Workforce Crisis, EMS1. Retrieved from https://www.ems1.com/recruitment-and-retention/how-accreditation-of-paramedic-education-programs-is-helping-to-address-the-workforce-crisis

Upcoming CAAHEP Events

2025 CAAHEP Symposium

January 17-18, 2025

Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

In-person and virtual event

Open to CAAHEP Commissioners, Committees on Accreditation, volunteer leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and institution administrators.

Visit the CAAHEP website for updates and registration details.

2025 CAAHEP Accreditation Workshop

July 18-19, 2025

Radisson Blu Mall of America, in Bloomington, Minnesota

In-person event

Open to accredited programs, CAAHEP Commissioners, Committees on Accreditation, volunteer leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and institution administrators.

2025 CoA Workshop

July 17, 2025

Radisson Blu Mall of America

Open to Committees on Accreditation Chairs and Staff

Visit the CAAHEP website for updates and registration details.

CAAHEP Accreditation Actions

Each profession in the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) system has a Committee on Accreditation (CoA) that consists of experts responsible for reviewing programs and making appropriate recommendations for accreditation to CAAHEP. CAAHEP reviews recommendations 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 its September 20, 2024 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.

The following programs were found to comply with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2029. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Assistive Technology

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI

University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

John A Logan College, Carterville, IL (Adult Cardiac)

MCPHS University, Boston, MA (Abdominal-Extended)

MCPHS University, Boston, MA (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

MCPHS University-Worcester, Worcester, MA (Abdominal-Extended)

MCPHS University-Worcester, Worcester, MA (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Augusta University, Augusta, GA

Austin Community College, Austin, TX

Baltimore City Community College, Baltimore, MD

Casper College, Casper, WY

Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA

Chipola College, Marianna, FL

Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, TX

Kingsborough Community College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN

Mutual Aid-Excela Health Paramedic Training Program, Greensburg, PA

South Plains College, Lubbock, TX

Texas Southmost College, Brownsville, TX

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Orthotist/Prosthetist

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

University of Washington, Seattle, WA

The following programs were found to comply 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.

Cardiovascular Technology

Dallas College-El Centro, Dallas, TX (Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Associate)

Dallas College-El Centro, Dallas, TX (Adult Echocardiography, Associate)

Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI (Adult Echocardiography, Baccalaureate)

Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI (Noninvasive Vascular Study, Baccalaureate)

Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI (Pediatric Echocardiography, Baccalaureate)

Neurodiagnostic Technology

EPiC Consortium, Scottsville, MI

The following programs were found to comply with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2033. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Medical Assisting

Belmont College, St. Clairsville, OH (Certificate)

Community College of Allegheny County-South Campus, West Mifflin, PA (Certificate)

East Central College, Union, MO (Certificate)

Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID (Certificate)

Midwest Technical Institute, Moline, IL (Diploma)

Quinsigamond Community College , Worcester, MA (Certificate)

Randolph Community College, Asheboro, NC (Associate)

Southeast Technical College, Sioux Falls, SD (Diploma)

The following programs were found to comply with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2034. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana-Terre Haute, Terre Haute, IN (Abdominal-Extended)

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana-Terre Haute, Terre Haute, IN (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana-Terre Haute, Terre Haute, IN (Adult Cardiac)

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana-Terre Haute, Terre Haute, IN (Vascular)

Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, MI (Abdominal-Extended)

Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, MI (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Abdominal-Extended)

The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Lactation Consultant

University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA

Perfusion

SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY

Surgical Technology

Bismarck State College, Bismarck, ND (Associate)

Coastal Pines Technical College, Waycross, GA (Associate)

Community College of Allegheny County-Boyce Campus, Monroeville, PA (Associate)

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana-Evansville, Evansville, IN (Associate)

Jefferson Community and Technical College, Louisville, KY (Associate)

Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Luverne, MN (Associate)

Mount Aloysius College, Cresson, PA (Associate)

Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City, MI (Associate)

Palm Beach State College, Lake Worth, FL (Associate)

Piedmont Virginia Community College, Charlottesville, VA (Associate)

Richland Community College, Decatur, IL (Associate)

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 2029.

Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Adair County Ambulance District "The ACADemy", Kirksville, MO

College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID

Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL

Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Lone Star College-North Harris, Houston, TX

Medic 1 Community Emergency Service, Benton Harbor, MI

Medstar Ambulance/Henry Ford Macomb Hospital/McLaren Macomb Consortium for Paramedic Education, Clinton Township, MI

National Park College, Hot Springs, AR

Northcentral Technical College, Wausau, WI

UH Geauga, Chardon, OH

Upstate EMS Council, Greenville, SC

Valencia College, Orlando, FL

Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT

Medical Assisting

American National University-Salem, Salem, VA (Associate)

Central Oregon Community College, Bend, OR (Certificate)

Edgecombe Community College, Rocky Mount, NC (Associate)

Huntington Junior College, Huntington, WV (Associate)

Midwest Technical Institute, Springfield, MO (Diploma)

Southern Crescent Technical College, Griffin, GA (Diploma)

University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College, Cincinnati, OH (Certificate)

The following programs were found to comply with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and were granted initial accreditation with the next evaluation to occur no later than 2029. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Northwest Shoals Community College, Muscle Shoals, AL (Abdominal-Extended)

Northwest Shoals Community College, Muscle Shoals, AL (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, Media, PA (Abdominal-Extended)

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, Media, PA (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

South College-Indianapolis Learning Site, Indianapolis, IN (Abdominal-Extended)

South College-Indianapolis Learning Site, Indianapolis, IN (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave, VA

BridgeValley Community and Technical College, South Charleston, WV

Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Wesson, MS

Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC

MountainView Hospital, Las Vegas, NV

Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, SC

Rockingham Community College, Wentworth, NC

Exercise Physiology

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY (Applied)

Exercise Sciences

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring

National Neuromonitoring Services DBA MPOWER Health, Addison, TX

Medical Assisting

Coastal Alabama Community College, Bay Minette, AL (Associate)

MetroHealth Parma Hospital, Parma, OH (Certificate)

Surgical Assisting

Bellin College, Green Bay, WI

Surgical Technology

Central Penn College, Summerdale, PA (Associate)

Fox Valley Technical College, Oshkosh, WI (Associate)

Grayson College, Denison, TX (Associate)

Mercy College of Ohio, Toledo, OH (Associate)

South College-Nashville Learning Site, Nashville, TN (Associate)

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Fennimore, WI (Associate)

State Fair Community College-Clinton, Clinton, MO (Associate)

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 2029.

Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

West Georgia Technical College, Carrolton, GA

The following programs were 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).

Medical Assisting

Clover Park Technical College, Lakewood, WA (Associate)

Perfusion

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

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