5-5.
THE COMMITTEE ON ALLIED HEALTH EDUCATION AND ACCREDITATION
OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
a. Overall Function. There are several organizations and agencies that play a
number of important roles for radiographers. First, in order of importance is the
Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) of the American Medical
Association (AMA) is responsible to the United States (US) Office of Education. The
CAHEA accredits allied health (health care-related) educational programs.* Since
CAHEA cannot possibly have the requisite expertise to evaluate every type of X-ray
program available, it relies on the recommendations of the Joint Review Committee on
Education in Radiological Technology (JRCERT). The CAHEA's role, essentially, is to
review JRCERT recommendations to determine the accreditation status of the
programs it oversees.
b. Provisional Accreditation. There are four categories of accreditation. The
first, provisional status is conferred upon new programs just after application. This
status indicates probable future program compliance when fully operational.
c. Nonaccredited Status. This indicates that the program suffers from major
deficiencies and a probable inability to rectify these shortcomings or come into
compliance.
c. Probationary Status. Probationary status is granted to a previously
accredited program that becomes deficient in some area. The program is given up to
two years to rectify the deficiency, with the understanding that it will be reevaluated
within 18 months' time.
e. Full Accreditation. A program that is either in compliance or has only a
minor infraction is granted fully accredited status. Minor infractions have to be rectified
within a year's time. And, the program must undergo full reevaluation within 5 years.
5-6.
THE JOINT REVIEW COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION IN RADIOLOGICAL
TECHNOLOGY
The JRCERT, provides consultation and guidance to programs on matters of
compliance with minimum standards of essentials. The JRCERT receives applications
for development of programs by sponsoring educational institutions. It coordinates site
visits and makes recommendations on accreditation status to CAHEA.
5-7.
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGISTS
a. History. The American Society of Radiological Technologists (ASRT) was
founded in 1920 by a group of technologists who saw a need to meet in a formalized
way to share their knowledge. The express purpose of the ASRT is to advance the
science of radiological technology, establish and maintain high standards of education
and training, and elevate the quality of patient care.
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