Accreditation
Clark College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. For inquiries regarding Clark College's accreditation, please contact the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities at 8060 165th Ave N.E., Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052, by phone at (425) 558-4222, or through the NWCCU website.
What is Institutional Accreditation?
Per NWCCU, "Institutional accreditation is granted by an accrediting agency within
the scope of authority approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutional
accreditation applies to the institution as a whole, not individual programs or units
within the organization."
According to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, "Accreditation is a process of recognizing educational institutions for performance,
integrity, and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the educational community
and the public." Accreditation or pre accreditation by a post secondary national
accrediting agency qualifies institutions and enrolled students access to federal
funds to support teaching, research, and student financial aid.
Clark College was first accredited in 1948 by the NWCCU, formerly known as The Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher Schools, and has remained a pillar of education in Clark County since then.
Lifecycle of Accreditation
All NWCCU accredited institutions must follow a seven year cycle of accreditation-related activities. Some examples of accreditation activities include the submission of annual reports to NWCCU, submission of various other mid-cycle reports, reporting any major changes to policy, and additional reports requested by NWCCU.
Clark College's next evaluation period is scheduled for October, 2025.
Specialized Accreditation
Clark College holds specialized accreditation in several areas. These accrediting organizations each have their own definitions of eligibility, criteria for accreditation, and operating procedures. Clark College programs with specialized accreditation's can be seen below.
Addiction Counseling (NASAC)
According to NASAC, "The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission is an academic accreditation organization for higher education addiction studies programs. NASAC accreditation is specialized and not institutional; it is designed for faculty members in addiction counselor higher education programs as a guide to prepare for accreditation. Specialized accreditation, such as NASAC accreditation, is awarded to professional programs that are within the jurisdiction of the college. "
Visit the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission webpage here for more information.
Dental Hygiene (CODA)
According to CODA, "The Commission on Dental Accreditation develops and implements accreditation standards that promote and monitor the continuous quality and improvement of dental education programs. "
Visit the Commission on Dental Accreditation webpage here for more information.
See Clark College's Dental Hygiene Affirmation Letter here.*
*Accreditation cycle extended by one year due to effects of COVID-19.
Medical Assisting (CAAHEP)
According to CAAHEP, "The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is a programmatic postsecondary accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CAAHEP carries out it's accrediting activities in cooperation with 25 review Committees on Accreditation."
Visit the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education webpage here for more information.
See Clark College's Medical Assisting Accreditation Letter here.
Nursing (ACEN)
According to ACEN, "The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing indicates to the general public and to the educational community that a nursing program has clear and appropriate educational objectives and is working to achieve those objectives. By meeting the ACEN standards and criteria for accreditation, ACEN-accredited programs demonstrate that their graduates are prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to positive outcomes in public health. "
Visit the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing webpage here for more information.
Toyota T-TEN & HiTECC (ASE ED)
According to ASE ED, "The Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level automotive technology education programs against standards developed by the automotive service industry. It develops career-readiness education for students which fuse local partnerships, rigorous standard-based education, workplace experience, and mentorship together. "
Visit the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation webpage here for more information.
For more information, please contact:
Assessment and Institutional Research (AIR)
Planning & Effectiveness, Clark College
Baird Hall BRD011