Programmatic (or specialized) accreditation conducts an in-depth assessment of specialized or professional programs to ensure that education provided meets acceptable levels of quality. The program’s sponsor has already received accreditation (institutional accreditation). The standards by which these programs are measured have generally been developed by the professionals involved in each discipline and are intended to reflect what a person needs to know and be able to do to function successfully within that profession. Accreditation in the health-related disciplines also serves a very important public interest. Along with certification and licensure, accreditation is a tool intended to help assure a well-prepared and qualified workforce providing health care services.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is a programmatic postsecondary accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); it carries out its accrediting activities with EMS programs in cooperation with the CoAEMSP.