Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs COA

Overview

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) is the sole national accrediting agency for nurse anesthesia educational programs in the United States and its territories. Established in 1975, COA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It accredits programs that award post-master’s certificates, master’s, or doctoral degrees in nurse anesthesia, including those offering distance education. COA's mission is to promote excellence in nurse anesthesia education through a rigorous accreditation process that ensures programs meet nationally established standards of academic quality.

History and Legal Framework

COA was founded in 1975 to standardize and elevate the quality of nurse anesthesia education. Prior to its establishment, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) was responsible for accrediting nurse anesthesia programs. COA operates as a nonprofit organization and has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA as the official accrediting body for nurse anesthesia programs. Its accreditation standards have evolved over time to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and advancements in educational practices.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

COA's mission is to grant public accreditation recognition to nurse anesthesia programs that meet nationally established standards of academic quality and to assist these programs in improving educational quality. Its objectives include:

• Ensuring that accredited programs produce competent nurse anesthetists capable of delivering safe and effective anesthesia care.
• Promoting continuous quality improvement within accredited programs.
• Providing a transparent and accountable accreditation process.
• Supporting the development of nurse anesthesia education through research and innovation.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

COA is governed by a board of directors composed of representatives from nurse anesthesia programs, clinical practice, and the public. The board oversees the accreditation process and ensures that COA's operations align with its mission and objectives. COA operates independently, with no sponsoring organizations, and receives an unrestricted grant from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) to support its activities. This structure allows COA to maintain objectivity and integrity in its accreditation decisions.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

COA's accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of each program's curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical experiences, and student outcomes. The agency also evaluates the program's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and its compliance with national standards for nurse anesthesia education. Accreditation decisions are based on published Accreditation Policies and Procedures, and programs are subject to periodic reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with COA's standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While COA primarily accredits programs within the United States and its territories, it also offers accreditation for postgraduate Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) fellowships. COA's accreditation standards are recognized internationally, and it collaborates with global organizations to promote excellence in nurse anesthesia education worldwide.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

As of 2025, COA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of nurse anesthesia education. Its rigorous accreditation process ensures that nurse anesthesia programs maintain high standards of quality, leading to the preparation of competent nurse anesthetists who can meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system. Looking forward, COA aims to further enhance its impact by expanding its accreditation services, refining its standards to address emerging challenges, and supporting the development of future leaders in nurse anesthesia education.

Summary

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs is a critical entity in the field of nurse anesthesia education. Through its rigorous and evidence-based accreditation process, COA ensures that nurse anesthesia programs meet high standards of quality, thereby contributing to the development of effective nurse anesthetists who can positively impact patient care. Its commitment to continuous improvement and international collaboration underscores its dedication to advancing excellence in nurse anesthesia education.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is COA?
  COA is the sole national accrediting agency for nurse anesthesia educational programs in the United States and its territories.
• How many programs are accredited by COA?
  COA accredits numerous nurse anesthesia programs across the United States and Puerto Rico, including those offering doctoral degrees and postgraduate fellowships.
• Does COA provide accreditation for programs outside the United States?
  COA primarily accredits programs within the United States and its territories but offers accreditation for postgraduate CRNA fellowships internationally.
• What are the benefits of COA accreditation?
  COA accreditation ensures that nurse anesthesia programs meet nationally established standards of academic quality, leading to the preparation of competent nurse anesthetists.
• How can an institution apply for COA accreditation?
  Institutions can initiate the accreditation process by visiting COA's official website and following the guidelines provided for application.

Organization Name

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs

Acronym

COA

Year of Establishment

1/01/1978

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); U.S. Department of Education

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

95

Address

222 South Prospect Avenue
Park Ridge
60068-4001 Illinois United States

Phone

+1 (847) 655 1160

Fax

+1 (847) 692 7137

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other US higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in the United States.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.