The following steps are to be followed for seeking an initial grant of institutional or programmatic accreditation:

Step 1: Retrieve the Application Packet

Visit, Apply for Institutional Accreditation or Apply for Programmatic Accreditation to review details on the accreditation process.  Both links can be found on the bottom of the homepage and contain instructions with hyperlinks to the required forms to be submitted with the application.  If you are unsure which application to complete, visit the Frequently Asked Questions link for the explanation of “What is the difference between institutional and programmatic accreditation?”

Step 2: Application Submission

Once you confirm that your institution or program meets the basic requirements outlined in Chapter II of the Accreditation Manual and your institution or program is ready to apply for accreditation, complete the Institutional or Programmatic Application for Accreditation and submit it along with the other required exhibits outlined in the application.

Step 3: Self-Evaluation Report (SER) Preparation

Once the application packet is received, deemed materially complete, and accepted, the institution will be directed to download the Self Evaluation Report (SER) for completion and provided the timeline for accreditation including due dates for the draft SER and/or final SER. The due dates assigned depend on the time the application is received, deemed materially complete, and accepted.

Step 4: Accreditation Workshop Attendance

ABHES requires that applicants seeking a grant of accreditation must attend the applicable Accreditation Workshop prior to submission of the SER. The Accreditation Workshop is open to all who wish to attend; however, once an institution submits an application for accreditation, a representative from each campus and/or program (programmatic applicants) is required to attend the workshop within 12 months of submission of the SER. The workshop attendance is valid for a one-year period.  In the event of a delay in the process, a second attendance at the accreditation workshop may be required. There are approximately four accreditation workshops held each year. See the Listing of Workshops for details.

Step 5: Preliminary Visit

Initial institutional applicants are required to undergo a preliminary visit following attendance at the Accreditation Workshop, where initial programmatic applicants have the option for a preliminary visit. The preliminary visit is conducted following receipt of the draft SER as a means of ensuring that the institution complies with all eligibility requirements, the SER is concise and detailed, and the institution or program is in substantial compliance with select ABHES standards. It is also a time for the institution to address any questions or concerns with staff in a consultative manner. Should it be determined on the preliminary visit that your institution is not in substantial compliance with the ABHES Standards reviewed, submission of the final SER will be postponed, and the institution may be required to undergo a second preliminary visit; thus, delaying the accreditation process.

Step 6: SER Submission

The SER is an important step in the accreditation process.  Care should be taken in completing this report as the visiting evaluation team and Commissioners will utilize this document when evaluating the institution and programs. The SER must be completed based on the institution’s compliance with the current ABHES Accreditation Manual.  Note that the accreditation standards are identified in bold print and the detailed explanations are found directly beneath each standard, which is essential to review.

The SER must be completed in a concise, yet detailed, manner providing specifics on how the institution meets each standard and a description of the evidence that exists to confirm compliance.  Please be advised that simply restating the standard language or referring to external documents is NOT acceptable. Involvement of all constituencies including staff, faculty, students, graduates, employers, and advisory committee members is key to the successful completion of the SER.  Upon receipt of the SER, a staff member will review it for completeness and contact the institution should revisions be needed.

Step 7: On-Site Team Visit

Once the SER is deemed complete, a staff member will contact the institution to schedule the team visit. Visits are usually scheduled for two days and the number of evaluators is determined by the number of like programs offered by the institution. Each team consists of a team leader, program specialist(s), and an ABHES staff member. If any portion of any program/course is offered via distance education, a distance education specialist will also be a part of the evaluation team. The primary purpose of the visit is to confirm the information the institution provided in its SER and assess whether there is documentation in place to evidence compliance with the accreditation standards.

Step 8: Institutional Response

Accrediting procedures provide an institution and/or program the opportunity to respond to the visitation reports, concentrating specifically on areas of concern and violations, if any. The primary purpose of this step is to provide the institution and/or program an opportunity to document changes made by the institution and/or program to evidence compliance with a standard that was cited as a violation in the team’s visitation reports.  The response provides an opportunity to comment and submit any additional materials to the Commission.

Step 9:  Commission Review

The Commission meets at least twice per year and the commissioners are provided with necessary information pertinent to the application, including the institution’s/program’s SER, the team’s visitation reports, its response to the team evaluation reports, and program outcomes for review and action. The Commission can opt to grant accreditation between 1 and 6 years, defer action and review at the next Commission meeting, issue a show-cause directive (renewal applicants only), or deny an application. The Commission’s decision is then provided to the applicant in writing within 30 days of the Commission meeting.

Step 10: Annual Report

Upon receipt of a grant of accreditation, schools are then required to pay pro-rates sustaining fees.  Additionally, accredited institutions and programs submit an Annual Report for the ABHES reporting period, July 1 to June 30, on an annual basis. Schools are required to report their activities within the given timeframe and are required to pay an annual sustaining fee that is based upon gross annual tuition for institutional members or annual total program enrollment for programmatic members.

CHAPTER II – ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATIONS

SECTION A – Eligibility for Application

Prior to consideration for ABHES accreditation, the Commission will determine preliminarily whether an institution or program meets the requirements for accreditation.

Subsection 1 Basic requirements

II.A.1.a. Institutional Eligibility

In order for a postsecondary institution to apply for ABHES accreditation and to remain accredited, it must meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Institution types. It is one of the following:
a. an institution in the private sector whose principal activity is education
b. a hospital or laboratory-based training school
c. a vocational training institution
d. a federally sponsored training program

2. Allied Health Predominance. It is an educational institution that offers programs predominantly in the health education field. An institution meets this requirement if either (a) 70% or greater of its students are enrolled in active programs in the health field or (b) 70% or greater of its active programs are in the health education field and at least 50% of its students are enrolled in those programs. A program is considered active if it has current student enrollment and is seeking to enroll students.

3. Career outcomes-focused. All of its programs are career focused and designed to lead to employment or advancement in the program field.

4. Location. It is located in the United States or its territories.

5. Operational approval. It is properly licensed, chartered or approved to provide education beyond the secondary level under the laws and regulations of the state(s) or territories in which it operates, including any regulatory oversight body approval required to operate specific programs.

6. Years in operation. It must have been legally operating continuously and providing instruction as an institution for at least the two years prior to application.

7. Program enrollment. It has enrollment in the program(s) to be included in the grant of accreditation to allow evaluation of student outcomes. (This requirement does not apply to current institutionally accredited members).

8. Graduating class. It has at least one graduating class from at least one currently offered program to allow evaluation of the overall educational effectiveness of the program of study offered.

II.A.1.b. Programmatic Eligibility

An organization offering a program in medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, or surgical technology education is eligible to apply for programmatic accreditation, and to remain programmatically accredited, if it meets the following criteria:

1. Institution types. It is one of the following:
a. a public or private institution at the postsecondary level institutionally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or Council on Higher Education Accreditation whose principal activity is education
b. a hospital or laboratory-based training school, or
c. a federally sponsored training program

2. Active enrollment. At the time of the initial application, it has active student enrollment in the program to allow evaluation of student outcomes.
NOTE: This requirement is applicable only to initial applicants for programmatic accreditation except current institutionally accredited schools applying for initial programmatic accreditation.

3. Career outcomes-focused. Its program is career focused and designed to lead to employment or advancement in the program field.

4. Location. It is located in the United States or its territories.

5. Clinical experiences. At the time of the initial visit, the program will have (or have had within the past 12 months) student participation in clinical experiences to permit evaluation of program operations and of student progress, satisfaction, and retention. In addition, the program will have enrolled students who have completed at least 50% of the program or at least 25% of the core courses.
NOTE: This requirement does not apply to those institutionally accredited members seeking initial programmatic accreditation; however, an additional on-site evaluation may be required.

6. Coursework. The coursework required for graduation, including didactic instruction and clinical experiences, provides the following:
NOTE: This requirement also applies to institutionally accredited members offering the following programs.

a. Medical Assisting. Attainment of entry-level competencies (see MA.A.1. in Chapter VII-MA). The program must consist of at least 720 clock hours, including a minimum of 160 clock hours in clinical experiences.

b. Medical Laboratory Technology. Attainment of entry-level competencies (see MLT.A.1. in Chapter VII-MLT) and at least 60 semester credit hours, 90 quarter credit hours, or its recognized clock-hour equivalent of training. The program must consist of at least 800 clock hours in combined clinical and laboratory experience, including a minimum of 400 clock hours in clinical experiences.

c. Surgical Technology. Consistency with the current Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology, produced by the Association of Surgical Technologists (www.ast.org). The program must consist of at least 1,100 clock hours, including a minimum of 500 clock hours in clinical experiences. At a minimum, all graduates must complete the surgical technology program with an associate degree.
NOTE: Currently accredited institutional members must adhere to the requirements for programmatic eligibility when adding a surgical technology program, which includes submission of the ABHES application for programmatic accreditation.

Subsection 2 Advanced requirements

II.A.2.a. Master’s degree eligibility

An institution must be currently approved to award a baccalaureate degree, have current enrollment in a baccalaureate degree program, and have graduated at least one baccalaureate degree cohort to offer a master’s-level program.

II.A.2.b. Eligibility outside of ABHES scope of recognition

ABHES may accredit institutions and programs outside the scope of recognition under the U.S. Secretary of Education (Secretary). The principal difference between participation in accreditation activities within the ABHES scope of recognition is that accreditation under this section and outside that scope does not provide such institutions with accreditation recognized by the Secretary.

An institution or program that participates in accreditation activities outside the ABHES scope of recognition may expect to benefit from objective assessment and feedback according to ABHES standards of accreditation.

The Commission, acting through its Executive Committee, may from time to time consider eligible applications for accreditation that are outside the ABHES scope of recognition under the Secretary.

The Executive Committee shall determine and publish the specific policies and procedures for applications for accreditation that are outside the ABHES scope of recognition, including specific limits on eligibility and fees for accreditation.

Any institution or program submitting an application for accreditation pursuant to this section and outside the scope of recognition by the Secretary does so with the understanding that the accreditation to be awarded is not recognized by the Secretary, and further that it may not be eligible to participate in any program such as federal Title IV funding that requires accreditation by an agency recognized by the Secretary.

Any institution or program submitting an application for accreditation pursuant to this section and outside the scope of recognition by the Secretary must demonstrate that it has the financial capability to ensure continuity of operation and to fulfill its obligations to students and employees.

An institution or program that is accredited pursuant to this section may truthfully represent that it is accredited by ABHES only when it makes clear that the grant of accreditation under this section is not recognized by the Secretary.

Initial ABHES Accreditation Timeline

ABHES has two travel cycles per year. The first travel cycle is from February through early May for Commission consideration in July; and the second travel cycle is from August through early November for Commission consideration the following January. The below are anticipated timelines based on when an initial application is deemed materially complete and has been accepted.

Initial Applications Submitted and ACCEPTED between February 1, 2023, and July 31, 2023

PROGRAMMATIC SER’s due November 15, 2023
• On-Site Team Visit between February and April 2024
• Reviewed by the Commission at its July 2024 Meeting

INSTITUTIONAL Draft SER due November 15, 2023
• Prelim Visitation between February and March 2024
• Final SER due May 15, 2024
• On-Site Team Visit between August and October 2024
• Reviewed by the Commission at its January 2025 Meeting

Initial Applications Submitted and ACCEPTED between August 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024

PROGRAMMATIC SER’s due May 15, 2024
• On-Site Team Visit between August and October 2024
• Reviewed by the Commission at its January 2025 Meeting

INSTITUTIONAL Draft SER due May 15, 2024
• Prelim Visitation between August and September 2024
• Final SER due November 15, 2024
• On-Site Team Visit between February and April 2025
• Reviewed by the Commission at its July 2025 Meeting

Initial Applications Submitted and ACCEPTED between February 1, 2024, and July 31, 2024

PROGRAMMATIC SER’s due November 15, 2024
• On-Site Team Visit between February and April 2025
• Reviewed by the Commission at its July 2025 Meeting

INSTITUTIONAL Draft SER due November 15, 2024
• Prelim Visitation between February and March 2025
• Final SER due May 15, 2025
• On-Site Team Visit between August and October 2025
• Reviewed by the Commission at its January 2026 Meeting

Initial Applications Submitted and ACCEPTED between August 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025

PROGRAMMATIC SER’s due May 15, 2025
• On-Site Team Visit between August and October 2025
• Reviewed by the Commission at its January 2026 Meeting

INSTITUTIONAL Draft SER due May 15, 2025
• Prelim Visitation between August and September 2025
• Final SER due November 15, 2025
• On-Site Team Visit between February and April 2026
• Reviewed by the Commission at its July 2026 Meeting

Renewal Accreditation Timeline

Self-Evaluation Reports (SER) are provided for completion approximately 12-18 months prior to the expiration of a grant of accreditation. The renewal application and SER’s are emailed to selected schools in January and June of each year based upon the assigned travel cycle.

Workshop Attendance Requirement

A representative from each campus location seeking an initial or renewed grant of accreditation or inclusion of a non-main campus is required to attend an accreditation workshop within the 12 months prior to submission of the Self-Evaluation Report (SER).

The individual(s) who attends the workshop representing the institution must be directly involved in the accreditation and self-evaluation process (e.g., school director, director of education, or program director).

In cases where the workshop attendee no longer represents the campus, an individual with direct involvement in SER preparation and maintaining accreditation must attend the accreditation workshop within 12 months of the position change and preferably prior to an institution undergoing an on-site team visit.

How long is the initial application process?

The initial application process typically takes between 18 to 24 months for institutional applicants and usually up to 12 months for programmatic applicants. There are two travel cycle per year, each followed by a Commission meeting. An initial institutional applicant is required to undergo two visits; 1) a preliminary visit, and 2) a full team visit. Programmatic applicants are not required to undergo a preliminary visit but have the option to elect to have one.

The preliminary visit is conducted following receipt of the DRAFT SER as a means of ensuring that the institution complies with all eligibility criteria and is in substantial compliance with ABHES accreditation standards. It is also a time for the institution to address any questions or concerns with staff in a consultative manner.

Should it be determined on the preliminary visit that your institution is not in substantial compliance with the ABHES Standards, submission of the FINAL SER will be postponed, and the institution will be required to undergo a second preliminary visit, delaying the accreditation process.

*Note for programmatic applicants: Pursuant to Chapter II.A.1.b.5. of the Accreditation Manual, at the time of the initial visit, the program will have (or have had within the past 12 months) student participation in clinical experiences to permit evaluation of program operations and of student progress, satisfaction, and retention. In addition, the program will have enrolled students who have completed at least 50% of the program or at least 25% of the core courses.

What are the procedures for seeking accreditation?

The accreditation process is as follows (see the Application Process, Seeking Accreditation link for more details):

1) Retrieve the Application Packet and Contact ABHES Staff with Questions
2) Submit the Completed Application Packet
3) Self-Evaluation Report (SER) Preparation
4) Accreditation Workshop Attendance
5) Complete and Submit the Draft SER
6) Preliminary Visit (institutional applicants required, programmatic applicants optional)
7) Complete and Submit the Final SER
8) On-Site Evaluation Visit
9) Respond to On-Site Evaluation Visit
10) Commission Review

What is the difference between institutional and programmatic accreditation?

ABHES is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as both an institutional and specialized programmatic accrediting agency with scope that focuses on health care education and training. Schools that wish to seek institutional accreditation are generally not currently accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Schools wishing to seek programmatic accreditation are already accredited by a recognized agency but are interested in securing additional accreditation for either a Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology and/or Surgical Technology program. Programmatic accreditation provides an opportunity for graduates to be eligible to sit for various credentialing exams in such fields.

Schools wishing to seek institutional accreditation must offer at least 70% health education, which is defined as an educational institution that offers programs predominantly in the health education field. An institution meets this requirement if (1) 70 % or greater of its students are enrolled active programs in the health field, or (2) 70 & of its active programs are in the health education field, and at least 50% of its students are enrolled in those programs. A program is active if it has a current student enrollment and is seeking to enroll students. Institutional applicants must evidence that it meets all the eligibility criteria outlined in Chapter II, Section A, Institutional Eligibility of the Accreditation Manual.

How to apply for an initial grant of institutional accreditation?

An institution wishing to seek initial institutional accreditation must ensure that it complies with the eligibility requirements outlined in Chapter II of the ABHES Accreditation Manual.  When the institution determines that it meets and can document compliance with all of the eligibility criteria, visit https://www.abhes.org/apply-for-institutional-accreditation for detailed application instructions.

After the institution submits a materially complete application, the institution will be informed its application has been accepted or additional documents or revisions are needed.  Once the application has been accepted, the institution will be directed to complete a Self-Evaluation Report (SER).

How to apply for an initial grant of programmatic accreditation?

An institution wishing to seek initial programmatic accreditation must ensure that the program(s) (i.e., Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology, and/or Surgical Technology) complies with the programmatic eligibility requirements outlined in Chapter II, Section B of the ABHES Accreditation Manual  When the institution determines that it meets and can document its program(s) compliance with all programmatic eligibility criteria, visit https://www.abhes.org/apply-for-programmatic-accreditation for detailed application instructions.

After the institution submits a materially complete application, the institution will be informed its application has been accepted or additional documents or revisions are needed.  Once the application has been accepted, the institution will be directed to complete a Self-Evaluation Report (SER).   

When am I required to attend the accreditation workshop?

The accreditation workshop is open to all, and it is required of any institution/program seeking an initial or renewed grant of accreditation. A representative from each campus location, if seeking institutional accreditation, or each program, if seeking programmatic accreditation is required to attend an Accreditation Workshop within the 12 months prior to submission of the Self Evaluation Report (SER). The individual(s) who attends the workshop representing the institution must be directly involved in the accreditation and self-evaluation process (e.g., school director, director of education, or program director). The workshop attendance is valid for a one-year period during the initial application process. In the event of a delay in the process, a second attendance at an accreditation workshop may be required. Workshops are held periodically throughout the year. See the Events, Upcoming Workshops on the website for details and to register online.

How much does it cost to seek accreditation?

Schools seeking accreditation for the first time should consider the following expenses when budgeting:

INSTITUTIONAL APPLICANTS:

Expenses/Fees
Amount
Notes
Initial Application Fee
$4,000
Includes all programs offered by the institution to be reviewed during the accreditation process.
Reviewed Financial Statement
‡$4,000 and $20,000
A reviewed (or audited) financial statement must be submitted with the initial Application for Accreditation.
Institutional Accreditation Workshop Registration Fee
$650
Increases to $700 if registering within 30 days of the workshop or on-site.
Preliminary On-Site Visit
$1,700 per team member for the first day;
The preliminary visit is a staff-only visit typically scheduled for one-day where the institution representatives involved in the accreditation process work with the staff member for the entirety of the visit.
On-Site Team Visit Fee
$1,700 per team member for the first day;
$600 per team member for each additional day
Team visits are typically 2 days in length and there is a 3-member team minimum.  Team size can increase depending on the number of programs offered and/or if any program is delivered via distance education.
Audited Financial Statement
‡$7,000 and $50,000
An audited financial statement is to be submitted on June 30 or December 31 depending on the Commission meeting where the school’s file is to be reviewed.
Annual Sustaining Fees
*$2,200 – $15,000 per main and non-main campus.
Additional fees may apply for institutions with Separate Educational Centers.
Due annually based upon gross annual tuition per the Fees Appendix, of the Accreditation Manual.
PROGRAMMATIC APPLICANTS:
Expenses/Fees
Amount
Notes
Initial Application Fee
$4,000
Required for each eligible Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology; and/or Surgical Technology Programmatic Application for Accreditation.
Workshop Registration Fee
$650
Increases to $700 if registering within 30 days of the workshop or on-site.
On-Site Team Visit Fee
$1,700 per team member for the first day;
$600 per team member for each additional day
Team visits are typically 2 days in length and there is a 3-member team minimum.  Team size can increase depending on the number of programs offered and/or if any program is delivered via distance education.
Annual Sustaining Fees
*$1,500 – $14,000
Additional fees may apply for institutions with Separate Educational Centers.
Due annually based upon the number of students enrolled annually in the eligible programs (listed above) per the Fees Appendix, of the Accreditation Manual.
‡ Accountants do not have a standard schedule of fees for audits. CPAs use their hourly rate to calculate the fee based on the amount of time needed to complete the assignment. Most CPAs establish hourly rates based on their level of expertise and location. CPAs associated with large well-established firms can also command higher fees. The time required to complete your audit or reviewed financial statement will be directly related to the complexity of your business.

*Annual Sustaining Fee:

Upon receiving a grant of initial accreditation, prorated sustaining fees will be assessed and an annual sustaining fee is assessed each year thereafter as part of the Annual Report process.  See Appendix G of the Accreditation Manual for a complete listing of all User Fees and the Annual Sustaining Fee Schedule.

What are the benefits of seeking ABHES accreditation?

ABHES has been nationally recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a private, non-profit, independent accrediting agency since 1968. It has been at the forefront of advancing the quality of health education programs throughout the country.

ABHES enhances the quality of education and training and promotes institutional and programmatic accountability through systematic and consistent program evaluation. Its key is to assure the quality of the programs it accredits and to assist in the improvement of the programs. This quality determination is accomplished by rigorous and systematic evaluation based on valid and reliable standards.

The goals of ABHES focus on three key areas: recognition, resources, and service; all of which it believes are essential and paramount to achieving its mission.

ABHES-accredited institutions offer predominantly health education programs leading to a certificate, diploma, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Occupational Science, Academic Associate, Baccalaureate, or Master’s degrees, including those offered via distance education. Additionally, ABHES-accredited programs in Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Surgical Technology lead to a certificate, diploma, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Occupational Science, or Academic Associate degrees, including those offered via distance education.  Graduates of an ABHES-accredited institution or program are eligible to sit for various credentialing exams to optimize a graduate’s marketability.

ABHES accreditation allows the opportunity for enhancement, in that institutions experience the ability to identify strengths and areas in need of improvement for greater institutional/program effectiveness through dynamic workshops, staff-assisted self-study, and site visits by experienced and credentialed health specialists.

Can ABHES accreditation be used to establish eligibility for Title IV programs?

As a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Secretary of Education, ABHES is deemed to be a reliable authority concerning the quality of education or training offered by the institutions of higher education or higher education programs it accredits. Institutional accreditation by ABHES may be used to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs. ABHES does not process, assist, or have any decision-making abilities regarding schools seeking to participate in Title IV funding. ABHES institutionally accredited schools interested in Title IV funding must contact the U.S. Department of Education directly at www.ed.gov.

Is an audited financial statement required to obtain ABHES accreditation?

An institution must submit externally prepared audited financial statements by June 30 or December 31 depending on the institution’s fiscal year-end and the Commission meeting where the school’s file is to be initially reviewed. A grant of accreditation will be contingent upon receipt, review, and approval of the audited financial statements.

In an effort to assess an initial applicant’s eligibility with ABHES, each applicant should meet the minimum financial stability eligibility requirements stated below.

Initial applicant institutions must submit audited financial statements, which include a balance sheet, an income statement covering a twelve-month period, a statement of cash flows, and all appropriate disclosures (including footnotes). These financial statements must be prepared by an outside agency or individual according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by a third-party accounting firm/sole practitioner.

The audited financial statement must contain the elements included in the Guidelines for Audited Financial Statements found on the website under Resources, Forms.