Page 147 - JRCERT Update Articles

JRCERT Update

JRCERT Continues Its Long-standing Recognition by the U.S. Department of Education

Process for Achieving Recognition recipient in 2003. She also is a former chairman of the
Accreditors undergo an external review by the USDE Radiologic Technology Editorial Review Board. She can be
every 5 years. The recognition process is overseen by reached at carwilel@nsula.edu.
the National Advisory Committee on Institutional
Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) established through References
the HEA, which delineates the committee’s mission and 1. Accreditation in the United States. U.S. Department of
responsibilities. NACIQI is an 18-member committee Education Web site. http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid
appointed by the Senate, the House of Representatives, /accred/accreditation.html#Overview. Updated March 11,
2016. Accessed March 23, 2016.
and the Secretary of Education. One of the commit-
3
tee’s goals is the establishment and enforcement of 2. History. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic
Technology Web site. http://wordpress-1182231-4152295.cloudwaysapps.com/history/.
criteria for recognition of accrediting agencies. Accessed March 23, 2016.
NACIQI’s recognition process is similar to the 3. National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and
accreditation process for JRCERT-accredited programs. Integrity. U.S. Department of Education Web site. http://
As an organization, the JRCERT is required to com- www2.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/naciqi.html. Updated
plete a petition to ensure compliance with all federal March 28, 2016. Accessed March 23, 2016.
regulations. Similar to an educational program’s self-
study report, the JRCERT’s petition also provides an
opportunity for self-reflection and allows the agency
to identify areas for improvement. Once the petition is
submitted, a USDE staff member reviews the petition
to determine compliance. Typically, the USDE staff
1
member will observe a JRCERT Board of Directors
meeting and participate in a program site visit to ensure
all elements of the accreditation process comply with
established policies and procedures. NACIQI will then
review the petition, as well as the USDE staff member’s
recommendation for acceptance or denial of recogni-
tion. NACIQI meets twice a year to consider accrediting
agencies; when the committee meets, the JRCERT has
the opportunity to present strengths and to refute any
concerns NACIQI or the USDE might have.
Although seeking recognition by the USDE is a
time-consuming task and can seem daunting, it is ben-
eficial for all involved. The recognition process ensures
that the JRCERT remains accountable to the institu-
tions and programs it accredits.

Laura S Aaron, PhD, R.T.(R)(M)(QM), FASRT, serves
as chair of the JRCERT Board of Directors and is director
and professor of the School of Allied Health for Northwestern
State University in Shreveport, Louisiana. She also serves
on the ASRT Foundation Scholarship Review Committee.
Aaron was an ASRT Foundation professional research
grant awardee in 2004 and 2009, and a Stern Scholarship

676 RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, July/August 2016, Volume 87, Number 6
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2019. All rights reserved.