The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is an independent agency recognized by the USDE that grants accreditation to postsecondary schools in the United States. The ABHES concentration is on allied health education programs that lead to certificates, diplomas or associate's degrees for medical assistants, laboratory technicians and surgical technicians. Community colleges that seek the ABHES accreditation must follow a 10-step application process, and institutional and program accreditation are both available.
Formed in 1965 and recognized by the USDE in 1967, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) maintains a scope of private, postsecondary colleges. These institutes can be both nondegree- and degree-granting, including those that provide associate's, baccalaureate and master's degrees. Generally, schools that seek ACCSC accreditation prepare students for occupational, technical and trade careers. Distance-learning programs are also available for ACCSC recognition.
The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) is one of the oldest accrediting bodies in the United States. Founded in 1912, it is recognized by both the USDE and CHEA. Those institutes eligible for ACICS accreditation include private postsecondary schools offering certificates or diplomas and public colleges offering associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees. The programs must be designed to prepare students for professional, technical or occupational careers and include distance education modules.
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) is one of six regional institutional accrediting bodies in the U.S. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent member of the NCA, granting membership in the NCA and accrediting postsecondary colleges. To gain HCL accreditation, schools must grant degrees and reside within those states as defined by the NCA. The HCL is recognized by the USDE and CHEA and governed by an elected board of trustees.
Another regional accrediting body is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC). This association governs institutions located in 11 Southern states that grant associate's, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. The SACSCC also accredits international institutions of higher education. It is recognized by CHEA and considered the accrediting body for the south. To acquire and keep accreditation, an institute must comply with the expressed standards and policies provided by the SACSCC.
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) operates in the western region of the U.S. It accredits institutions that grant associate's degrees to students and operates under the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This is yet another of the U.S. regional accrediting bodies, and is recognized by both the USDE and the CHEA. With its accreditation, the ACCJC assures employers and other educational institutions that a student's community college education is legitimate.