Why Accreditation matters for students

Choosing where to study is one of the most important decisions you'll make, and accreditation should play 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.

Broadly speaking, 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. A few more specific benefits of attending an AAC-accredited Ayurvedic educational programs include:

  • Certification: In the field of Ayurvedic Medicine, many professionals choose to sit for certification exams administered by NAMACB. As of July 1, 2026, only students who have graduated from an AAC candidate or accredited program will be eligible to take NAMACB exams.

  • Recognition of credentials: Employers, colleagues, and the public often view accreditation as assurance of a high-quality education. Completing an accredited program can strengthen confidence in the value and rigor of your education and training.

  • Student protections: Accreditation requires institutions to maintain clear policies on things like grievance procedures, academic integrity, and mentorships.

 

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.

More Accreditation & Commission FAQs can be found on our Accreditation FAQs page.

 
 

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, or have graduated from, an accredited or candidate program

Here are a few common questions from students or recent graduates. Get in touch if you have any other questions or requests for resources to support students of Ayurvedic medicine.

  • 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 contact information, 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
    1401 21st ST # 12664
    Sacramento, CA 95811
    info@ayurvedicaccreditation.org

  • If a program loses accreditation, the Commission will publish that decision and notify the institution. Each situation is different, but programs are generally given notice and an opportunity to address deficiencies before accreditation is withdrawn. If accreditation is withdrawn, the institution is responsible for informing students and explaining what options may be available, which could include completing the program under a teach out plan or transferring to another program when possible.

    Students should contact their school directly for specific information about how the decision may affect them.

  • Accredited programs are expected to maintain contingency planning for circumstances such as institutional closure or program discontinuation. This generally includes provisions such as teach out arrangements or other measures intended to minimize disruption to students’ education. The responsibility for implementing these plans rests with the institution.

  • 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.

  • There are several reasons a program may not be listed as a Candidate for Accreditation: the program may have been granted full accreditation, may have withdrawn from the accreditation process, may have allowed its candidacy to lapse, or may no longer be actively seeking accreditation. If you are currently enrolled and have questions about your program’s status, you should contact your school directly for clarification.

    We encourage students to share with their school’s administration that they value accreditation, and their interest in seeing the program achieve it.

  • AAC does not accredit programs that use the title “Ayurvedic Doctor” because the use of the term “doctor” carries specific legal, regulatory, and ethical implications in many jurisdictions. In the United States, the title “doctor” is restricted to individuals who hold recognized medical or doctoral-level credentials within regulated professions.

    Graduates of Ayurvedic programs that are not recognized within these regulated frameworks may face legal risks or restrictions if they represent themselves as “doctors.” This can include potential violations of professional title protection laws, consumer protection regulations, or scope-of-practice limitations.

    To address these concerns, AAC updated its terminology in 2024, replacing the title “Ayurvedic Doctor” with Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner. The policy is available here.

    This change helps protect graduates, supports compliance, and promotes clear, responsible communication about professional qualifications.