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The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is recognized by the US Department of Education for accrediting programs of education leading to the Medical Doctor degree. Accreditation is a process of quality assurance in postsecondary education that determines whether an institution or program meets established standards for function, structure, and performance. The accreditation process also fosters institutional and program improvement. Institutional accreditation is a prerequisite for eligibility of graduates to obtain Medical Licensure in most states and for students to sit for US Medical Licensure Examinations and to obtain federal student loans.
The University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences is scheduled for re-accreditation in the spring of 2006. This entails three phases: Preparation of detailed databases, a careful self-study with preparation of extensive reports, and a site visit by members of the LCME. Databases will be prepared on the institutional setting, the educational program, medical students, faculty and educational resources. The self study will be directed by a task force made up of faculty, students and administrators. Subcommittees pertaining to different interest areas have been formed to prepare detailed studies. These subcommittees will perform several important functions:
- Collect and review data about the School of Medicine and Health Sciences and its educational program
- Identify institutional strengths and weaknesses
- Develop strategies to build on strengths and improve weaknesses
A Steering Committee will be responsible for coordinating the process and the Self Study Task Force will be responsible for writing a summary report. Based on this process, the site visit team will make a written report with a recommendation regarding accreditation status.
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