Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools is the only organization that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a specialized accrediting organization for health care education and training. The national recognition program offers accreditation to private, post-secondary institutions within the United States that deal with such programs as medical assisting training, laboratory technician training and surgical technology programs. It recognizes programs that result in a diploma, certification or degree. It is considered a national, rather than regional, accrediting agency.

The organization's mission is to act as a nationally recognized accrediting organization for health education institutions. It also seeks to create eligibility criteria and accreditation standards for institutions' administration and operation. The organization works to raise the standards of the profession through the improvement of programs and institutions available to train new students. To qualify, schools and programs must submit to a rigorous review process that includes on-site visits and a commission review.

Based in Falls Church, Virginia, ABHES is the only accrediting organization of its kind recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Its accrediting standards are also recognized by the American Association of Medical Assistants, the American Medical Technologists, National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Campus-Based Colleges Accredited by ABHES

For more information and a complete list of schools accredited by ABHES, visit http://www.abhes.org/.