NAACLS Accreditation

PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) is committed to being the premier international agency for accreditation and approval of educational programs in the clinical laboratory sciences and related health professions through the involvement of expert volunteers and its dedication to public service.

Primary aspects of the NAACLS programmatic accreditation process are: (1) the self-study process; (2) the site visit process; (3) evaluation by a review committee, (4) assessment of review committee evaluation by the Quality Assurance Committee, and (5) evaluation by the Board of Directors. Evaluation is based on Standards, which are the minimum criteria used when determining programmatic accreditation.

NAACLS conducts various functions of programmatic accreditation including: (1) drafting and reviewing Standards for the operation of specialized programs; (2) selecting and training knowledgeable volunteers to review Self-Study Reports and serve as site visitors; (3) selecting representatives to serve on the review committees and the Board of Directors, and (4) granting accreditation awards based on a program's self-study and site visit processes.

Accreditation is a process of external peer review in which an agency grants public recognition to a program of study or an institution that meets established qualifications and educational standards. Programs that participate in the NAACLS programmatic accreditation process typically culminate in an associate’s degree or higher upon completion. Participation in the accreditation process is voluntary since there is no legal requirement for specialized programs and institutions to participate. However, there are factors that make accreditation valuable. The benefits include, but are not limited to, the following.

NAACLS Accreditation:

  1. Through a review process that includes a Self-Study Review and Site Visit, identifies for the public specialized degree and certificate programs that meet nationally established standards of educational quality.
  2. Stimulates improvement of educational programs by involving faculty and staff in ongoing self-evaluation, research and planning.
  3. Promotes a better understanding of the goals of professional education.
  4. Provides reasonable assurance that practitioners meet minimum educational standards upon entry into the profession.
  5. Assists specialized programs in achieving their objectives.


The accreditation standards for Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) programs may be found using the following link:

https://naacls.org/NAACLS/media/Documents/2012Standards.pdf

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences

5600 N River Road, Suite 720

Rosemont, IL 60018

773-714-8880

Last Modified: 8/4/23