MESA, Arizona – Sept. 26, 2017 -- Mesa Community College’s Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Program was awarded accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) on Sept. 15, 2017.

This accreditation, effective through Sept. 30, 2022, was achieved following an onsite review conducted by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) and CAAHEP’s Board of Directors. MCC’s program was cited for its high level of compliance with the nationally established accreditation standards.

Accreditation serves a very important role for the public and students. Along with certification and licensure, accreditation helps assure that upon graduation students are well-prepared, qualified professionals.

“I am proud that our initial accreditation found our program to be in substantial compliance,” said Sean Newton, MCC Occupational Program Director, Paramedic Education. “The process was long and challenging, affording us the opportunity to collaborate and create with some of the best minds in the business.”

Onsite reviewers reported they had rarely seen a team so robust and dedicated to the success of their students, while keeping a patient-centered focus. They also noted faculty and staff assembled at Mesa Community College are exceptional.

Mesa Community College is approved as a Paramedic Education Program under CAAHEP / CoAEMSP LoR Program #600752 & Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Trauma and Emergency Medical Services ALS Training Program Certificate Holder #450311. Please visit the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs to verify MCC's accreditation status.

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Contact Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu

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) and carries out its accrediting activities in cooperation with 23 review Committees on Accreditation. CAAHEP currently accredits more than 2100 entry level education programs in 30 health science professions. CAAHEP, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, was formed in 1994. Its predecessor organization was the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA). CAHEA was part of the American Medical Association (AMA).

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.