Achieving Accreditation

There are eight steps to gaining accreditation through NAMAC. Please read the following in detail before submitting you application.

1. Submit an Eligibility Application to NAMAC  

To start the process of accreditation a program sends an Eligibility Application to the NAMAC Administrator. The letter includes the eligibility fee and the following:

  • A statement that the school’s governing entity authorizes the accreditation

  • A general description of the school and the program(s)

  • A copy of the school catalog and student handbook or documents used for that purpose

  • Documentation showing the program curriculum meets the NAMAC accreditation standards in regard to program hours, curriculum content, clinical training, and delivery methods

  • A list of program faculty with their professional qualifications

  • A list of program staff with their positions

  • A description of the program’s facilities

The NAMAC administrative office will inform the school within six weeks whether the eligibility letter is complete. 

2. Submit an Accreditation Application

Next the program submits an Accreditation Application along with indications of financial solvency, a copy of their state license, and the required application fee. Once the application is submitted NAMAC administrative office will

  •  inform the program that the application has been received; and

  • verify within six weeks whether the application submission is complete. 

 

3. Attend Program Team Training with the NAMAC Administrator 

This training is meant to teach the program team how to conduct the self-study and to answer any questions related to accreditation. Program teams have an opportunity to ask questions and to gain familiarity with the self-study process. The primary purpose of the meeting is to ensure the program personnel has all the information needed to conduct a successful self-study and to become accredited.

4. Conduct Program Self-Study

The self-study is at the center of the accreditation process. It is a self-look of the program. It includes examination of the educational resources and effectiveness of the program in relation to the program’s mission and educational objectives, conducted within the context of the accreditation standards. The end point is a self-study report.  

The self-study process consists of three components: 

1.   An ordered process that uses various means (e.g., surveys, focus groups, review of documents) to gather information about the program’s operations, resources, faculty, students, educational offerings, services, and activities as they relate to the program’s performance with respect to its mission and objectives and to the NAMAC accreditation standards;

2.  An in-depth self-assessment/evaluation, based on the information gathered, of the program’s outcomes regarding achievement of its mission and objectives, as well as the degree to which it meets the Council’s accreditation standards, and 

3.  The formulation of plans and recommendations for refinement to the program in order to more effectively realize the mission, ensure compliance with NAMAC standards, and improve the educational experience and success of students. 

5.  Submit a Self-Study Report

The self-study process involves all parts of the Ayurvedic medical program and relates to effectiveness regarding its mission, goals, objectives, and standards. The self-study report accomplishes the following objectives: 

1.     Provides clear evidence that the program complies with the NAMAC standards and requirements for accreditation 

2.     Focuses attention on the ongoing assessment of outcomes for the continuing improvement of academic quality 

3.     Demonstrates the program has processes in place to ensure that it will continue to comply with the NAMAC standards and requirements for accreditation 

4.     Demonstrates fiscal health

6. Host the Accreditation Team On-Site Visit

After the self-study report is complete a team of one to three representatives will visit the school for an average of one to three days. The size of the team and duration of the visit depend on the number of students/programs. During this time, the team will review programs and services offered and verify they comply with accreditation requirements. 

On the last day the team will meet with program personnel to answer any remaining questions, give a verbal report of the findings, and indicate the likelihood of accreditation. The team leader will then submit a written report to NAMAC indicating the team’s findings. NAMAC will send a copy of the team report to the school.

7. Accreditation Awarded by the Council

To award accreditation the Council reviews the program Self-Study Report and the Accreditation Visit Team Report. Based on this review, the Council votes to grant accreditation to the program from three  to five years at initial accreditation and from five to seven years at reaccreditation. Accreditation is renewed annually through submission of a Yearly Report.  

 

8. Yearly Report

A program report is submitted annually to NAMAC to ensure all standards remain complete and to advise of any substantive changes in program.

 
Screen Shot 2020-06-16 at 1.44.49 PM.png
 

Reaccreditation

Accreditation is awarded for three to five years initially and from five to seven years at reaccreditation. For a program accredited for five years, on the fourth year the process begins again. This includes the Eligibility Application, Accreditation Application, self-study process and report, site visit, and concluding renewal of accreditation.