College Accrediting Associations

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

• The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, or ABHES, assures that post-secondary health education programs in the U.S. meet the bureau's standards in the areas of resources, recognition and service. The bureau ensures that institutions adhere to standards by reviewing programs. Institutions and programs who seek accreditation must attend a workshop and host ABHES staff for an on-site team visit. Once accredited, member institutions submit an annual report to ABHES. In addition to accrediting allied health programs, ABHES hosts an annual conference and training workshops throughout the year.

  Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

  7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314

  North Falls Church, VA 22043

  703-917-9503

  abhes.org

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges

• The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools has granted accreditation to private colleges and universities since 1912. The nonprofit organization accredits more than 680 colleges and schools in the U.S. and abroad. The council notes on its website that it grants three types of accreditation: regional, specialized and national. ACICS certifies programs in a variety of disciplines, including criminal justice, culinary arts and business administration. The ACICS accreditation process includes reviewing documentation submitted by applicant institutions and conducting site visits.

  Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools

  750 First Street NE, Suite 980

  Washington, DC 20002-4223

  202-336-6797

  acics.org

Distance Education and Training Council

• The Distance Education and Training Council accredits correspondence education programs. The DETC notes on its website that it is guided by several core values, including excellence in student services, self-regulation and volunteerism. Institutions that provide distance learning can choose to go through the accreditation process. A representative of an applicant institution must complete an online course on how to prepare for accreditation before writing the self-evaluation report, which is submitted along with sample course materials and names of students to be surveyed by DETC. Following a site visit, DETC's examining committee decides to grant or deny accreditation.

  Distance Education and Training Council

  1601 18th Street, NW, Suite 2

  Washington, DC 20009

  202-234-5100

  detc.org

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

• Originally founded in 1965 as the National Association of Trade and Technical Schools, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges accredits institutions that train students for trade and technical careers. Member institutions offer programs in fields such as automotive repair, massage therapy, and construction. Institutions enter the accreditation process voluntarily. Applicants attend a workshop where they learn about the association's standards for accreditation. ACCSC notes on its website that the accreditation process takes up to two years to complete and is granted following submission of an application package and hosting ACCSC staff for two site visits.

  Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

  2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302

  Arlington, VA 22201

  703-247-4212

  accsc.org