Accreditation is best understood in the context of historical attempts to improve quality in educational and health care institutions.

SESSION OUTLINE

I.  The Scope of Accreditation

• Historical dates and ramifications

• Characteristics and definitions

• Voluntary

• Self-regulated

• Educational Quality judgment

• Evaluation process

• Consultative process

II.  Types of Accrediting Bodies (general information)

• National

• Regional

• Specialized/Professional

Accreditation is a process that is always evolving based on changing needs, political demands, and an effort by those involved to perfect the process.