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Accreditation

The Importance of Accreditation

Accreditation ensures that the college’s academic program and services meet acceptable levels of quality. Institutions must be accredited by a federally recognized accrediting agency to qualify for participation in federal financial aid programs that provide low cost loans to students. Often times, employers also want to verify the accreditation of a college or university before they will pay for tuition or fees as part of a company-sponsored benefits program.

HCC Accreditation Status

Howard Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 1007 North Orange Street,4th Floor, MB #166,Wilmington, DE 19801, 267-284-5011, and authorized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), 6 North Liberty Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, (410) 767-3300; to offer programs of learning and to award the associate in arts degree and certificate of proficiency. Every eight years, the college undergoes a comprehensive reaccreditation process by MSCHE. The college underwent its reaccreditation site visit in March 2021 and received reaccreditation in June 2021.

Nursing and Allied Health Accreditation

The college’s associate degree nursing and practical nurse certificate programs are fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Upon approval of the Maryland Board of Nursing, associate degree graduates may take the national licensure examination for registered nurse and those completing the practical nurse certificate may apply to take the licensed practical nurse examination. (Next Site Visit: 2027)

The Cardiovascular Technology program is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Graduates sit for the national certification examination to become a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist. (Next Site Visit: 2023).

The Dental Hygiene program is accredited from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). (Next Site Visit: 2023).

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) has accredited the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) (Next Site Visit: 2027).

The Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions. Successful completion of the program leads to eligibility to take state and national certification examinations. (Next Site Visit: 2024).

The Medical Laboratory Technician program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). (Next Site Visit: 2030).

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). (Next Site Visit: 2029).

The Radiologic Technology program is accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Successful completion of the program leads to eligibility to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Exam. (Next Site Visit: 2021).

Arts and Humanities

Howard Community College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. This cycle will be reviewed in 2024.

Howard Community College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. This cycle will be reviewed in 2024.

Business and Computers

The Culinary program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF). This will be reviewed in Fall 2021.

The Hospitality program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). This will be reviewed in March 2021.

Memberships

The college also holds membership in a number of professional organizations including the American Association of Community Colleges, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, the National Association of Community College Trustees, the National Accrediting Commission, National League for Nursing, and Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals.