Nonprogrammatic accreditation: programs and attitudes.

BACKGROUND

Radiologic science programs subscribe to regional or programmatic accreditation or both. Decisions regarding the type of accreditation a program holds are based on many factors.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to survey program directors from programs that do not subscribe to Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accreditation to examine their attitudes regarding programmatic accreditation and compare them with the literature findings.

METHOD

A researcher-designed survey was mailed to all non-JRCERT radiologic science programs in the United States based on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) database of programs. A total of 70 surveys were mailed out, and 58% were returned.

RESULTS

Of the programs responding to the survey, 80% were associate degree programs, 17% baccalaureate degree and 3% certificate. The most common reasons cited by program directors for not subscribing to programmatic accreditation were cost, issues with the accrediting agency and time. The most frequent reasons for considering programmatic accreditation were decreased cost and being required to do so by the ARRT.

CONCLUSION

Overall results indicated some concern regarding programmatic accreditation; although there were concerns, benefits for programmatic accreditation also were expressed.