CAAHEP Communiqué

August 2024

From the President

Barry S. Eckert, Ph.D., FASAHP

2023-2025 CAAHEP President

Greetings,

As this is my first column since I became Board President, I want to introduce myself to everyone in the CAAHEP community. I am a five-time Commissioner for the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP), representing educators to CAAHEP and the Board of Directors.

My career as an educator is rooted in a basic science background with a Ph.D. in Anatomy from the University of Miami School of Medicine. I taught gross human anatomy at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences for 24 years before moving into administration. I served as Dean of Colleges of Health Professions at the University of Buffalo, Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA, and Long Island University-Brooklyn. Most recently, I served as Provost at Salus University, a graduate health professions university in Philadelphia. I retired from full-time academic administration last year and now live in Savannah, where I continue to work in the field of accreditation. In addition to my volunteer work on the CAAHEP board, I am a site visitor for the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and for the New Jersey Department of Education.

CAAHEP Summer Workshops

On July 18, 2024, CAAHEP held the Pre-Conference CoA Workshop, which gave the 60 attendees the opportunity to hear updates on CoA activities, standards, and policies. Using a round-table format, attendees had meaningful discussions on topics that are critical to CoA functions. The event also provided a forum for networking and informal brainstorming with speakers and colleagues.

The Accreditation Workshop followed on July 19-20 and featured presentations and discussions on many aspects of CAAHEP accreditation to support program directors, deans, faculty, clinical coordinators, and others. The event was not only an opportunity to explore the details of the CAAHEP accreditation process but also a chance to look forward to new trends. The Workshop began on Friday morning with a fascinating keynote presentation on Artificial Intelligence and its potential in Health Professions Education. This was followed by presentations on technical standards in accreditation and the value of the evidence-based nature of accreditation. The Friday afternoon and Saturday morning sessions were focused on many operational aspects of program accreditation. These included teaching and learning, assessment, site visit preparation and outcomes, and clinical education.

Together, these workshops provided a wealth of information to new and experienced accreditors and educators.

Strategic Plan Update – Resources for CAAHEP Accredited Programs

We have begun looking at strategies to develop new resources for programs that will support their CAAHEP accreditation, which will address Goal 2.C. in the CAAHEP Strategic Plan. This discussion is in its early stages and is focusing on provided web-based informational/instructional materials that can be viewed on demand. My vision for this project is to enrich our accreditation education offerings and maximize the use of capabilities of the new Learning Management System that CAAHEP is implementing. With many aspects of this project still to be determined, I plan to form a working group soon. Volunteers and nominations for the working group are invited.

I look forward to working with all of you in pursuit of CAAHEP’s mission to provide value to stakeholders by setting standards for quality assurance in health professions education.

Sincerely,

Barry S. Eckert, Ph.D., FASAHP

President

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

From Student to Leader: CAAHEP Appoints Recent Graduate Commissioner

The CAAHEP Board is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Recent Graduate Commissioner, Jennifer Caceres, CT (ASCP), to a three-year term. Ms. Caceres is a 2022 graduate of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions Cytology Program. She is employed as a Cytologist for the Clinical Pathology Laboratories.

Since graduating, Ms. Caceres has championed projects to promote the cytology profession to current and prospective students and developed resources to assist cytology students. She developed a study set and mock Board of Registry quiz to optimize learning opportunities for students participating in clinical rotations. Jennifer’s work was recognized by the American Society of Cytotechnology which named her Rookie of the Year in May 2024.

The Recent Graduate Commissioner is a graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited program within the last three years who is willing to represent the interest of students enrolled in health science education programs, currently working in the health science field for which they were trained, and demonstrates active involvement in their health science field. Ms. Caceres was selected from a distinguished field of 27 highly qualified nominees. She will attend meetings of the Commission, voting on such issues as electing the CAAHEP Board of Directors, amending CAAHEP Bylaws, changing CAAHEP mission and vision statements, and approving new organizations for membership. The Recent Graduate Commissioner is tasked with bringing the concerns of the student to the attention of the Commission and chairing an advisory committee of current students and other recent graduates.

Congratulations, Ms. Caceres, and welcome to CAAHEP.

Investing in Quality: The Story Behind CAAHEP’s

2026 Fee Adjustment

In alignment with CAAHEP’s commitment to quality assurance in health science education, a proposed change in Accredited Program Fees (Policy 701.D.) was shared with the public via the CAAHEP website. Following careful consideration of responses, the Board of Directors approved an adjustment in CAAHEP Accreditation Program Fees beginning in 2026. Thank you to the members of CAAHEP’s communities of interest who shared your opinions, made suggestions, and asked questions about the policy proposal.

To help stakeholders understand why the change was proposed and how the funds will support our mission and service to programs, we have developed an Accreditation Fees 2026 resource document. You may also access the document by visiting our website under the News tab. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding the future fee change, please contact Executive Director, Gina Scarboro.

Getting Your Program's Accreditation Message on Point

Your program's CAAHEP accreditation is a huge accomplishment; prospective students need to know about it. Here's a friendly reminder to ensure your program's website and promotional material accurately reflect your accreditation status.

The Key: Use CAAHEP's official policy language in quotes below!

Specifically, CAAHEP policy states that at least one of your comprehensive publications (think catalogs, websites) must include the following:

"The [name of program] is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of [name of Committee on Accreditation]."

If you use CAAHEP's address in your listing, please take a minute to confirm your website has the correct address, which changed in 2019:

9355 - 113th St. N, #7709

Seminole, FL 33775

Bonus Tip: You can use the same wording in smaller publications like flyers, course catalogs, and pamphlets to maximize impact.

By using CAAHEP's approved language, you're ensuring clarity and giving students the confidence they need to choose your program.

Need a quick reference? Find the full policy details on the CAAHEP website and access to the guidelines of CAAHEP's logo use. Let's keep those accreditation messages accurate and informative!

Another Diagnostic Medical Sonography Accreditation First

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is pleased to announce the initial accreditation of the first Diagnostic Medical Sonography program specializing in Musculoskeletal concentration. The program, based at Henry Ford Hospital School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in Detroit, Michigan, was reviewed by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) and found to meet all CAAHEP standards.

The CAAHEP awarded its accreditation at its July 2024 meeting, following the JRC-DMS recommendation. This milestone signifies the growing demand for specialized sonography expertise in the musculoskeletal field.

"We are proud to welcome this innovative program to the CAAHEP community," stated Barry S. Eckert, Ph.D., President of CAAHEP. "The Henry Ford Hospital program demonstrates a commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape."

This program will play a crucial role in training future sonographers specializing in musculoskeletal imaging, contributing to the advancement of patient care and the field of diagnostic medical sonography.

CAAHEP congratulates the Henry Ford Hospital on this achievement and wishes them continued success in their program.

Proposed Standards Open for Comment

As part of the CAAHEP Standards development process, the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) is inviting public comments on the proposed CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines of Educational Programs in Art Therapy. To review a copy of the proposed Standards, download a copy here. Use this version of the Standards as a reference to provide your comments in the survey tool below. ACATE will be accepting comments on the proposed Standards until September 3, 2024, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

‍

Use this link to submit your comments here.

Open Hearing Scheduled

An open hearing on the proposed CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines of Educational Programs in Art Therapy will be held on September 24, 2024, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. To attend the open hearing, you must register at this link before September 24, 2024, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

Celebrating the Success of the

Accreditation Workshop

The 2024 CAAHEP Accreditation Workshop in Austin was a success by all accounts! Over 200 attendees were awed by keynote speaker Dr. Robbie K. Melton and her knowledge of the use of AI in health education. As one participant commented:

"The AI presentation blew my mind away. I thought I knew a little about AI and I was sure wrong. Great presentation and very engaging facilitator."

The nine breakout sessions offered something for everyone - no matter how long they served in their position, and rotating roundtables allowed networking and deep-dive Q&As with leaders and other attendees. As one newcomer commented on the evaluation:

"I thought it was great - my first CAAHEP meeting and I would like to attend regularly moving forward."

Plenary sessions throughout the event provided information and resources to programs on ADA compliance guidance, Federal and regulatory issues, and handling clinical site challenges.

Overall, 98.83% of evaluation respondents indicated that the Accreditation Workshop did very well or extremely well in supporting the quality of health science education, and 83% were very satisfied with the overall Workshop. One person responding to the evaluation said it best:

"Loved every part of it."

Be a part of next year’s amazing event! Plan to join us at the CAAHEP Accreditation Workshop, July 18-19, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Mall of America, in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Thank You to the Accreditation Workshop Sponsors and Exhibitors

Upcoming CAAHEP Events

CAAHEP Commissioner Update and New Commissioner Orientation

September 13, 2024

3:00 PM Eastern

Virtual event

Registration Link

Open to current CAAHEP Commissioners and those who serve as an Alternate Commissioner

Special Meeting of the CAAHEP Commission

October 28, 2024

3:00 PM Eastern

Virtual event

Registration Link

Open to current CAAHEP Commissioners and to those who serve as an Alternate Commissioner

An official notice with agenda and registration information will be distributed at least 30-days prior to the meeting.

2025 CAAHEP Symposium

January 17-18, 2025

B Resort

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.

Laboratory Workforce Coalition News

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) announced to the Medical and Public Health Laboratory Workforce Coalition of which CAAHEP is a member, two new free educational resources for laboratory teams and leaders. These offerings are provided through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Blood Culture Collection Best Practices for Laboratory Professionals (eLearning Course)

This CME/CMLE-accredited, case-based activity is designed to help phlebotomists and other clinical laboratory team members increase their knowledge, skills, and competence in applying best practices for adult blood culture collection in clinical laboratories. Through a series of ten 5-minute cases developed by a multidisciplinary team, you will gain a greater understanding of current guidelines to improve blood culture collection practices to maintain aseptic technique, reduce blood culture contamination rates, ensure patient safety, and contribute to timeliness and accuracy of patient diagnosis and treatment.

Note: While these best practices represent the current gold standard for blood culture collection, they may need to be modified based on institutional guidelines in light of supply disruptions in blood culture media bottles or other consumables.

The activity offers 1.0 CME/CMLE credit.

Follow this direct link to the Blood Culture Collection Best Practices for Laboratory Professionals

course page on the ASCP store to enroll in this course for free.

Aligning Your Laboratory Team: Leveraging Personnel Strengths to Support Your Lab

This job aid is designed to offer clinical laboratory leaders ideas on supporting tasks that may align with their team members’ character traits, preferences, or personal interests. While not comprehensive, it aims to provide general guidance to better match the supportive tasks in your laboratory with the personal interests and inclinations of your team.

In addition, the following webinar is being offered through the CDC OneLab^TM

Tools and Strategies for Increasing Learner Engagement (CDC OneLab^TM TOT training)

Increasing learners’ engagement empowers trainers to increase their capacity to train their laboratory staff. After this one-hour webinar, learners should be able to identify three opportunities to increase learner engagement before, during, and after the training they provide. This webinar is designed for medical and public health laboratory professionals whose job responsibilities include training others.

Webinar Date: Wednesday, Aug 28 at 11 am ET

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 in the profession who 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 its June 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. Where available, a link to the program's website is provided. 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 be in compliance 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.

Surgical Technology

Kilgore College-Longview, Longview, TX

Monroe College-New Rochelle Campus, New Rochelle, NY

CAAHEP took the following actions at its July 17, 2024, meeting.

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.

Medical Assisting

Methodist College, Peoria, IL (Certificate)

University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Certificate)

Western Technical College, El Paso, TX (Certificate)

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 2029. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Alvin Community College, Alvin, TX (Adult Cardiac)

Alvin Community College, Alvin, TX (Vascular)

Bowling Green State University-Firelands College, Huron, OH (Abdominal-Extended)

Bowling Green State University-Firelands College, Huron, OH (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, Delray Beach, FL (Abdominal-Extended)

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, Delray Beach, FL (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, Delray Beach, FL (Adult Cardiac)

Cuyahoga Community College, Parma, OH (Abdominal-Extended)

Cuyahoga Community College, Parma, OH (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Cuyahoga Community College, Parma, OH (Adult Cardiac)

Cuyahoga Community College, Parma, OH (Vascular)

Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, PA (Abdominal-Extended)

Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, PA (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Keiser University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Abdominal-Extended)

Keiser University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Keiser University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Vascular)

Southeastern College, Miami Lakes, FL (Abdominal-Extended)

Southeastern College, Miami Lakes, FL (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

City College, Hollywood, FL

College of Central Florida, Ocala, FL

Dorsey College-Woodhaven, Woodhaven, MI

Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH

Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services, Frederick, MD

Good Fellowship & Chester County Hospital Consortium for Paramedic Education, West Chester, PA

Maricopa Community Colleges-Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ

MetroAtlanta EMS Academy, Marietta, GA

Radford University Carilion, Roanoke, VA

San Antonio College, San Antonio, TX

St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, FL

Surry Community College, Dobson, NC

Texarkana College, Texarkana, TX

The Methodist Hospitals, Inc. Midlake Campus, Gary, IN

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX

Victor Valley College, Victorville, CA

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 2031. This action requires no progress report and was approved on the consent agenda.

Cytology

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN

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 2034. These actions require no progress report and were approved on the consent agenda.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

H. Councill Trenholm State Community College, Montgomery, AL (Abdominal-Extended)

H. Councill Trenholm State Community College, Montgomery, AL (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI (Abdominal-Extended)

Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (Abdominal-Extended)

Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (Vascular)

Exercise Sciences

Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA

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 2027.

Cardiovascular Technology

Medical Career Institute, Ocean Township, NJ (Adult Echocardiography, Certificate)

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

Palomar College, San Marcos, CA

Swedish American Hospital, Rockford, IL

Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician

Century College, White Bear Lake, MN

Recreational Therapy

East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB

Cardiovascular Technology

St Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT (Noninvasive Vascular Study, Certificate)

Trinity Health Michigan Heart-Ann Arbor Campus, Ypsilanti, MI (Adult Echocardiography, Certificate)

Clinical Research

St. Cloud State University at Plymouth, St. Cloud, MN (Masters)

St. Cloud State University at Plymouth, St. Cloud, MN (Certificate)

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI (Musculoskeletal)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN (Abdominal-Extended)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN (Adult Cardiac)

South College-Pittsburgh Learning Site, Cranberry Township, PA (Abdominal-Extended)

South College-Pittsburgh Learning Site, Cranberry Township, PA (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK (Abdominal-Extended)

University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Anoka Technical College, Anoka, MN

EMT Academy/Holyoke Community College Paramedic Consortium, Chicopee, MA

Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO

OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Champaign, IL

Exercise Sciences

Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH

Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA

The following program was found to be in compliance with the accreditation Standards and Guidelines and was granted initial accreditation with the next evaluation to occur no later than 2032. This action requires no progress report and was approved on the consent agenda.

Art Therapy

Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA

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 initial accreditation with the next evaluation to occur no later than 2029.

Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Bellingham Technical College, Bellingham, WA

Enterprise State Community College, Enterprise, AL

Exercise Sciences

Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI

The following program had a transfer of sponsorship approved with a status of continuing accreditation, with the next comprehensive evaluation to occur no later than 2024. This action requires no progress report and was approved on the consent agenda.

Orthotist/Prosthetist

International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Tampa, FL

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).

Orthotist/Prosthetist

Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, MN

CAAHEP voted to withdraw accreditation from the following program, due to non-compliance with one or more Standards. This action is final.

Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

Dean-EMTS Consortium, Pembroke, MA

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775-7709

W: www.caahep.org P: 727-210-2350 E: mail@caahep.org

Website About Accreditation News Events Contact