Council on Podiatric Medical Education CPME

Overview

The Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) is the nationally recognized accrediting agency for podiatric medical education in the United States. Established in 1918 as the Council on Education, CPME is empowered by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to develop and adopt standards and policies for the accreditation of colleges of podiatric medicine, residency programs, continuing education providers, and the recognition of specialty certifying boards. CPME's mission is to promote the quality of graduate education, postgraduate education, certification, and continuing education in podiatric medicine, thereby serving to protect the public, podiatric medical students, and doctors of podiatric medicine. CPME is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the accrediting agency for first professional degree programs in podiatric medicine.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 1918, CPME began its accreditation activities in 1922. Initially known as the Council on Education, it was established to formulate educational standards for podiatric medicine. Over the years, CPME has evolved to become the authoritative accrediting body for podiatric medical education in the United States. The council derives its authority from the House of Delegates of the APMA, which empowers CPME to develop and adopt standards and policies necessary for the implementation of its accreditation, approval, and recognition functions. CPME's operations are governed by the bylaws of the APMA and are subject to oversight by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

CPME's mission is to promote the quality of graduate education, postgraduate education, certification, and continuing education in podiatric medicine. By confirming that these programs meet established standards and requirements, CPME serves to protect the public, podiatric medical students, and doctors of podiatric medicine. The council's objectives include:

• Assuring and enhancing the quality of educational outcomes at all levels in podiatric medicine.
• Encouraging continuous improvement in podiatric medical education and practice.
• Ensuring that accredited programs provide a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that prepares students for professional practice.
• Recognizing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the faculty, staff, and students at colleges of podiatric medicine.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

CPME operates as an autonomous, professional accrediting agency within the APMA. Its governance structure includes a board of directors responsible for setting policies, priorities, criteria, and standards for podiatric medical education. The council has final authority over the accreditation of colleges of podiatric medicine, approval of residency programs, recognition of specialty certifying boards, and approval of continuing education providers. CPME maintains independence in its decision-making processes, ensuring that accreditation decisions are based solely on the quality of educational programs and not influenced by external interests.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

CPME's accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of educational programs to ensure they meet established standards and requirements. The council accredits colleges of podiatric medicine, approves residency programs, recognizes specialty certifying boards, and approves continuing education providers. The accreditation process includes:

• Reviewing and assessing the program's mission, goals, and objectives.
• Evaluating the curriculum to ensure it provides a comprehensive and rigorous education.
• Assessing faculty qualifications and effectiveness.
• Reviewing student outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Ensuring that resources are adequate to support the program's mission and goals.

CPME conducts site visits, reviews self-study reports, and engages in ongoing monitoring to ensure that accredited programs maintain compliance with established standards. Accredited programs are required to submit periodic reports and undergo re-evaluation to maintain their accredited status.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While CPME primarily accredits programs within the United States, it collaborates with international accrediting bodies and organizations to promote best practices in podiatric medical education. These partnerships help ensure that U.S.-based programs align with global standards and that international programs benefit from CPME's expertise in accreditation. CPME's engagement in global health initiatives reflects its commitment to advancing podiatric medical education worldwide.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

CPME plays a critical role in shaping the future of podiatric medical education by establishing and maintaining rigorous accreditation standards. The council's efforts ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving challenges of podiatric medical practice. As healthcare needs become increasingly complex and diverse, CPME's commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to changes in the field helps ensure that accredited programs remain relevant and effective in preparing the next generation of podiatric medical professionals.

Summary

The Council on Podiatric Medical Education is a vital component of the podiatric medical education landscape, dedicated to ensuring the quality and relevance of graduate programs in podiatric medicine. Through its rigorous accreditation process, CPME upholds high standards that prepare students for successful careers in podiatric medical practice. Its commitment to excellence and continuous improvement underscores its role in advancing the science and practice of podiatric medicine.

FAQs

1. What is CPME?
   CPME is the accrediting body for podiatric medical education in the United States, responsible for accrediting colleges of podiatric medicine, approving residency programs, recognizing specialty certifying boards, and approving continuing education providers.
2. When was CPME established?
   CPME was established in 1918 as the Council on Education and began accrediting colleges of podiatric medicine in 1922.
3. What programs does CPME accredit?
   CPME accredits colleges of podiatric medicine, approves residency programs, recognizes specialty certifying boards, and approves continuing education providers.
4. How does CPME ensure quality?
   CPME ensures quality through a comprehensive accreditation process that includes evaluating programs' mission, curriculum, faculty, student outcomes, and resources. The council conducts site visits, reviews self-study reports, and engages in ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with established standards.
5. Is CPME recognized by the U.S. Department of Education?
   Yes, CPME is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the accrediting agency for first professional degree programs in podiatric medicine.

Organization Name

Council on Podiatric Medical Education

Acronym

CPME

Year of Establishment

1/01/1918

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

American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

11

Address

9312 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda
20814 Maryland United States

Phone

+1 (301) 581 9200

Fax

+1 (301) 571 4903

List of universities offering programs accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME):

Arizona

1. Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University
   Glendale, AZ 85308

California

1. Samuel Merritt University College of Podiatric Medicine (formerly California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University)
   Oakland, CA 94609
2. Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine
   Pomona, CA 91766

Florida

1. Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine
   Miami Shores, FL 33161

Illinois

1. Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
   North Chicago, IL 60064

Iowa

1. Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
   Des Moines, IA 50312

New York

1. New York College of Podiatric Medicine
   New York, NY 10035

Ohio

1. Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine
   Independence, OH 44131

Pennsylvania

1. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Podiatric Medicine
   Erie, PA 16509
2. Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
   Philadelphia, PA 19107

Texas

1. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Podiatric Medicine
   Harlingen, TX 78550

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

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