Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs CAAHEP

Overview

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is a non-profit organization that serves as the largest programmatic accreditor of health sciences education in the United States. Established in 1994, CAAHEP accredits educational programs in over 30 health science professions, including emergency medical technology, surgical technology and diagnostic medical sonography. Its mission is to ensure that allied health education programs meet rigorous standards, thereby preparing competent professionals who contribute to the delivery of quality healthcare services.

History and Legal Framework

CAAHEP was founded in 1994 as a collaboration between the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This formation aimed to consolidate accreditation efforts and provide a unified approach to accrediting allied health education programs. CAAHEP operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as a programmatic accreditor. It carries out its accrediting activities in cooperation with 25 review Committees on Accreditation (CoAs), each responsible for specific health professions.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: CAAHEP provides value to stakeholders by setting standards for quality assurance in health professions education.

Vision: To be the innovative leader for health sciences education accreditation.

Objectives:

• Accredit programs in health sciences and health professions education.
• Ensure programs meet established standards of quality and relevance to the healthcare industry.
• Promote continuous improvement in educational practices within accredited programs.
• Support the development of a competent workforce in health sciences and health professions.

Governance, Structure and Independence

CAAHEP operates as an independent, non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The Board comprises representatives from sponsoring organizations of the accredited professions, higher education institutions and the public. This structure ensures a balanced approach to decision-making. CAAHEP's independence is maintained through its autonomous decision-making processes, free from external influence, thereby upholding the integrity of its accreditation activities.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

CAAHEP's accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of educational programs against established standards. These standards cover various aspects, including curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes and institutional resources. Programs seeking accreditation must submit a comprehensive self-study report and undergo an on-site evaluation by a team of expert evaluators. Based on the findings, CAAHEP grants accreditation status, which may include initial accreditation, continuing accreditationor other designations as appropriate. This rigorous process ensures that accredited programs maintain high standards of academic quality and rigor, preparing graduates to succeed in their chosen allied health professions.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While CAAHEP primarily accredits programs within the United States, it recognizes the importance of international collaboration in the field of health sciences education. CAAHEP engages with global organizations to stay informed about international standards and practices, ensuring that its accreditation processes remain relevant and aligned with global developments in healthcare education. Additionally, CAAHEP's accredited programs may participate in international exchanges and collaborations, further enhancing the global reach and impact of its accreditation efforts.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

CAAHEP's accreditation activities have a significant impact on higher education by ensuring that allied health education programs meet high standards of quality. This, in turn, enhances the employability of graduates and supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of addressing the complexities of modern healthcare systems. Looking forward, CAAHEP continues to adapt its accreditation processes to reflect advancements in technology and changes in healthcare delivery, ensuring that accredited programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of the industry. The organization's commitment to continuous improvement and quality assurance contributes to the overall enhancement of health sciences education in the United States.

Summary

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and relevance of allied health education in the United States. Through its rigorous accreditation processes, CAAHEP ensures that educational programs prepare graduates who are equipped to meet the challenges of the healthcare industry. Its commitment to quality assurance, continuous improvement and global collaboration underscores its dedication to fostering a robust and globally competitive health sciences education system.

FAQs

• What is CAAHEP? CAAHEP is a non-profit organization that accredits educational programs in over 30 health science professions in the United States.
• When was CAAHEP established? CAAHEP was established in 1994.
• What programs does CAAHEP accredit? CAAHEP accredits programs in various health science fields, including emergency medical technology, surgical technology and diagnostic medical sonography.
• Who governs CAAHEP? CAAHEP is governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from sponsoring organizations, higher education institutions and the public.
• Is CAAHEP recognized by any accrediting bodies? Yes, CAAHEP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as a programmatic accreditor.

Organization Name

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Acronym

CAAHEP

Year of Establishment

1/01/1994

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Affiliations or Memberships

Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

2063

Address

25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater
33763 Florida United States

Phone

+1 (727) 210 2350

Fax

+1 (727) 210 2354

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs's Wikipedia article

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