Accreditation

Accreditation is a nongovernmental, professional peer review process by which educational institutions and programs are provided technical assistance and evaluated for quality based on pre-established academic and administrative standards. Accreditation has been used by the public as the most reliable indicator of quality at postsecondary institutions and is typically conducted by accrediting agencies composed of similar institutions, programs, or professionals that establish eligibility requirements, evaluation standards, and procedures for being accredited. These agencies are generally categorized as institutional (national or regional) and specialized programmatic and/or professional.

Accrediting Agencies (list), American Medical Association.

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an accreditor of both institutions and programs specializing in allied health education.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
accredits programs representing 18 allied health professions and recognizes over 1,900 allied health education programs in more than 1,300 institutions, including universities and colleges, academic health centers, junior and community colleges, hospitals, clinics, blood banks, vocational-technical schools, proprietary institutions, and government institutions/agencies.

^ top

Licensing of Health Professionals in Maryland

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH)
provides information on health professional licensing in Maryland.

Nursing graduates must pass a national licensing exam to become an RN. The exam is offered through the Board of Nursing from the state in which you plan to practice. The Maryland Board of Nursing Web site includes information on licensing. Some states require continuing education or practice to maintain a nursing license.

^ top

Nursing Web Site Links

Discover Nursing/National Student Nurses' Association
For students and career changers.

Discover Nursing
Here you can get the basics on the field, find a nursing program in your area, or search through hundreds of nursing scholarships.

Is Nursing for You?
An article from The National Student Nurses' Association, Inc.

Your Nursing Career: A Look at the Facts
Stats and facts from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

^ top

All About Nursing
Information on the field of nursing from the U.S Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook
     Registered Nurses
     Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow
     "Nursing . . . It's Real, It's Life"

National Student Nurses' Association

Maryland Nurses Association

^ top

Career Exploration and Job Search

Allied Counseling Inc.
Provides a job search engine.

Employment Opportunities in Maryland Hospitals

HealthCare Jobs
Provides links to many job listings from the About Guide to Job Searching.

HOSA - Health Occupations Students Association
A student organization whose mission is to promote career opportunities in health care and enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people.

HOSA Maryland Chapter

Medical Explorers
A program that gives youths an opportunity to visit the worksites of various professionals within the medical field. Boys and girls, 14 to 20 years old, can apply for this educational program and have the chance to observe the dynamics of a career of their choice firsthand.

Medical Explorers Program at Washington County Health System

^ top

Maryland Hospitals

Maryland Hospital Personnel Data

^ top

Living and Working in Maryland

Maryland Office of Tourism

^ top

Data Sources

The Bureau of Labor Statistics

^ top