Chesapeake College’s commitment to delivering high-quality education is affirmed through its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Accreditation is a rigorous process that evaluates the college’s programs, operations, and student outcomes to ensure academic excellence and institutional effectiveness. This status not only validates the strength of our educational offerings but also assures our students, community, and stakeholders of our continued dedication to growth and improvement.

About Middle States

Chesapeake College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a recognized leader in voluntary, peer-based institutional accreditation. MSCHE is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to evaluate colleges and universities. As MSCHE explains, “The accrediting process strengthens and sustains the quality and integrity of higher education, ensuring public confidence and minimizing external control.”

Chesapeake’s Middle States accreditation ensures that the college:

  • Maintains academic rigor across its programs and courses
  • Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to excellence in higher education
  • Uses resources effectively to fulfill its mission
  • Enables students to qualify for financial aid
  • Builds confidence in the value of its educational programs
  • Supports program-specific accreditation efforts
  • Maintains fiscal responsibility and transparency
  • Remains competitive in attracting quality students and staff

Additionally, Chesapeake College is approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to offer associate degrees and certificates. MHEC also approves the college to receive veterans’ benefits.

How is Accreditation Maintained?

Since FY2018, MSCHE has implemented an annual reporting process to ensure continued institutional compliance. This process includes the Annual Institutional Update, which evaluates metrics related to student achievement and financial stability. At the midpoint of the eight-year accreditation cycle, a peer review team assesses these metrics to determine if further action is needed.

At the end of each accreditation cycle, Chesapeake College participates in an in-depth self-study. This comprehensive evaluation examines institutional effectiveness in the context of MSCHE’s seven Standards for Accreditation. The process involves a detailed narrative report, documentation review, peer site visits, and final Commission action.

Accreditation Statement

Chesapeake College was first accredited in 1970, with its most recent reaffirmation of accreditation in spring 2024. The next Self-Study evaluation for reaffirmation visit is scheduled for 2031-2032. To further ensure student success, the institution continues to assess and enhance its institutional practices through data-based decision-making and assessment-informed resource allocation practices. For more details, visit MSCHE Accreditation Status.

Program Accreditation

Several Chesapeake health profession programs are accredited by separate governing bodies specific to the discipline. Each has its own standards for accreditation as well as assessment criteria. Those programs, which are referenced below, each have varying accreditation cycles.

The Nursing Program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Upon approval of the Maryland Board of Nursing, associate degree graduates may take the national licensure examination for registered nurse (NCLEX-RN).

The Radiologic Sciences 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 (AART) Exam.

The Paramedic/EMS Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Successful completion of the program leads to eligibility to take state and national certification examinations including the Paramedic National Registry exam, Paramedic State Protocol exam, Cardiac Rescue Technician–Intermediate, National Registry Exam (EMT-I) exam, and/or the Cardiac Rescue Technician, State Protocol exam (CRT).

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (CAPTE). Successful completion of the program leads to eligibility to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).

The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Successful completion of the program leads to eligibility to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) examination.