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. Medical education programs leading to the MD degree in the United States and Canada are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).*

The College of Medicine – Phoenix was first granted full accreditation of the medical education program by the LCME in June 2017. During our most recent site visit in February 2022, the LCME determined that we will continue with full accreditation for a maximum allowable term of eight-years.

Accreditation by the LCME establishes eligibility for selected federal grants and programs, including Title VII funding administered by the Public Health Service. State licensing boards require that U.S. medical schools be accredited by the LCME, as a condition for licensure to practice medicine. Eligibility of U.S. students to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) requires LCME accreditation of their school. Additionally graduates of LCME-accredited schools are eligible for residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The Department of Education recognizes the LCME for the accreditation of programs of medical education leading to the MD degree in institutions that are themselves accredited by regional accrediting associations. Institutional accreditation assures that medical education takes place in a sufficiently rich environment to foster broad academic purposes. *

Additional Information regarding the LCME standards, requirements and processes can be found at lcme.org.

*Content derived from lcme.org