Required Accreditation for Healthcare Programs
Students interested in health-related professions know that they should attend an accredited program, but accreditation requirements differ greatly within the healthcare field. Here is a quick guide to accreditation for some popular healthcare occupations.
NursingNurses typically enter the profession following an associate or bachelor degree program. In some cases a specialized diploma program, and successful completion of a national licensing test. A bachelor or masters degree may be required for advancement, so it is important to take this into account when planning your nursing career. Several organizations accredit nursing programs
- National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American College of Nurse-Midwives
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Accreditation requirements vary by specialty, so check with your state board of nursing for additional information.
Sonographer and X-ray TechniciansSonography and x ray technology offer diverse career training paths to students. While training may take place at a vocational school, at a college or university, on the campus of a hospital, or in the Army, most employers give preference to sonographers who graduated from programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs. Additional credentials are available through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
PhlebotomistState requirements for phlebotomists and other laboratory technicians vary widely, so it is best to check with your state's licensing body for specific requirements. However, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredits programs in this area, as does the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Radiology TechnicianTraining in this field ranges from 1-year certificate programs to 4-year degree programs, as well as masters degree programs. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits over 600 such programs. In addition, the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) oversees professional certification programs in this area, and many states use ARRT exams as part of their licensure requirements.
Physical TherapistSince careers in physical therapy require at least a masters degree, those who wish to pursue this occupation should make sure that their undergraduate institution is regionally accredited in order to be competitive for graduate school admissions. Physical therapy programs at the masters or doctoral level should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Additionally, in order to practice physical therapy, professionals in this field must pass state and national licensing exams.
This information is designed to help you begin to plan your career training program in healthcare; be sure to check with your state licensing agencies or employer for specific information about requirements for advancing in your field of choice.
Article ResourcesU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Registered Nurses: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm
Sonographers: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm
Laboratory Technicians: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos096.htm
Radiology Technicians: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm
Physical Therapists: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm
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