Accreditation
The Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that the college’s academic program and services meet acceptable levels of quality. Institutions must be accredited by a federally recognized accrediting agency to qualify for participation in federal financial aid programs that provide low cost loans to students. Often times, employers also want to verify the accreditation of a college or university before they will pay for tuition or fees as part of a company-sponsored benefits program.
HCC Accreditation Status
Howard Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 1007 North Orange Street,4th Floor, MB #166,Wilmington, DE 19801, 267-284-5011, and authorized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), 217 E. Redwood Street, 21st Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, (410) 767-3300; to offer programs of learning and to award the associate in arts degree and certificate of proficiency. Every eight years, the college undergoes a comprehensive reaccreditation process by MSCHE.
Howard Community College’s accreditation status is reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 2021 was to reaffirm. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States. Next Site visit: Fall 2028
Nursing and Allied Health Accreditation
The college’s associate degree nursing and practical nurse certificate programs are fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Upon approval of the Maryland Board of Nursing, associate degree graduates may take the national licensure examination for registered nurse and those completing the practical nurse certificate may apply to take the licensed practical nurse examination. (Next Site Visit: 2027)
The Howard Community College Invasive Cardiovascular Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of The Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology. (Next Site Visit: Fall 2033).
The Dental Hygiene program is accredited from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). (Next Site Visit: 2027).
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) has accredited the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) (Next Site Visit: Spring 2027).
The Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions. Successful completion of the program leads to eligibility to take state and national certification examinations. (Next Site Visit: Spring/Summer 2026).
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). (Next Site Visit: Spring 2029).
The Radiologic Technology program is accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Successful completion of the program leads to eligibility to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Exam. (Next Site Visit: Fall 2029).
Arts and Humanities
Howard Community College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. This cycle will be reviewed in April 2025.
Howard Community College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). Next visit will be 2027-2028.
Howard Community College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. This cycle will be reviewed in Spring 2025.
Business and Computers
The Culinary program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF). This will be reviewed in Fall 2028.
The Hospitality program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). This will be reviewed in March 2027.
Memberships
The college also holds membership in a number of professional organizations including the American Association of Community Colleges, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, the National Association of Community College Trustees, the National Accrediting Commission, National League for Nursing, and Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals.
VA Approval
Howard Community College's programs of learning are fully approved by the Veterans Administration for veterans' benefits..