Why Accreditation matters for students

Choosing where to study is one of the most important decisions you'll make—and accreditation plays a key role in that choice. The accreditation status of an institution or academic program can significantly impact your future career opportunities.

In many fields, such as nursing, engineering, and education, state regulations and employer requirements may mandate a degree from an accredited institution or program.

Accreditation ensures that academic programs meet established standards of quality. It provides assurance that your education will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your field of study.

 

institutional vs programmatic accreditation

Institutional accreditation evaluates the entire college or school, ensuring it meets overall standards for quality, integrity, and effectiveness. It looks at the institution as a whole—from administration and student services to faculty and finances.

Programmatic accreditation (also called specialized accreditation) focuses on specific programs within an institution—like an Ayurvedic medicine program—to ensure they meet the standards needed to prepare students for professional practice.

AAC is a programmatic accrediting body for clinically-focused Ayurvedic medicine programs. As such, it serves to ensure the high quality of Ayurvedic medicine education in the US by accrediting programs that voluntarily seek accreditation and meet AAC’s standards.

 
 

how to choose an ayurvedic program

Finding the right Ayurvedic educational program is a personal decision—there’s no one-size-fits-all. Start by checking our Accredited and Candidate programs to find a program at your level (AHC, AP, or AAP) and ensure that it has met AAC’s quality standards. Then, take time to research what each program offers. Consider factors like the balance of in-person vs. online learning, the length and structure of the training, clinical opportunities, and how the program aligns with your career goals and learning style. Many schools offer informational sessions and are happy to schedule one-on-one meetings to discuss their programs.

As an independent accrediting organization, AAC does not offer any personalized recommendations and does not have the staff resources to respond to inquiries about specific program curriculum or structure.

 

i’m already enrolled in an accredited or candidate program

Answer some of these questions here:

  • If your school is accredited by AAC, you can find details regarding the accreditation decision, term, and any notes on the Information Report linked at the bottom of the Accredited Programs page.

  • As an accrediting body, AAC is concerned primarily with the performance, improvement, and sustained effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine programs. The Commission does not generally intervene in the internal procedures of programs or their institutions, nor is the Commission an adjudicatory or grievance-resolving body. The Commission does, however, review formal written complaints against AAC-accredited programs, provided that (i) the complaints are adequately documented, and (ii) indicate lack of compliance with the Commission’s accreditation standards and/or policies. Accredited programs are required to make available to students the Commission’s mailing address and telephone number, and to provide access to the Commission’s Handbook of Accreditation through an administrative office or library.

    Communications on any matter related to the Commission may be addressed to: 

    Executive Director
    Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission
    351 Pleasant Street, Suite B, #450
    Northampton, MA  01060
    info@ayurvedicaccreditation.org

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  • AAC does not set requirements for certification exams. Currently, any student who has graduated from an AAC candidate or accredited program is eligible to sit for exams. Visit the NAMACB website to learn more.