[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 183 (Tuesday, September 22, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50706-50710]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25226]


      

[[Page 50705]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part IV





Department of Education





_______________________________________________________________________



Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies and State Approval Agencies; 
Notice

  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 183 / Tuesday, September 22, 1998 / 
Notices  

[[Page 50706]]



DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies and State Approval 
Agencies

AGENCY: Department of Education.
ACTION: List of nationally recognized accrediting agencies and state 
approval agencies.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Secretary of Education is required by statute to 
publish a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies and State 
approval agencies (1) whose accreditation or approval is a required 
element in enabling accredited or approved institutions, programs, or 
both to establish eligibility to participate in Federal programs and 
(2) whom the Secretary has determined to be reliable authorities 
regarding the quality of education or training provided by the 
institutions or programs these agencies accredit or approve. This 
document contains the current list of nationally recognized agencies 
and supersedes any previously published lists of these types of 
agencies.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen W. Kershenstein, Director, 
Accreditation and Eligibility Determination Division, U.S. Department 
of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 3915, ROB 3, 
Washington, DC 20202-7592. Telephone: (202) 708-7417. Individuals who 
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
alternate format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer 
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding 
paragraph.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As required by statute \1\, the Secretary 
issues the following list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies 
and State approval agencies that the Secretary has determined to be 
reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training 
provided by the institutions, programs, or both that these agencies 
accredit or approve. The criteria the Secretary uses in determining 
whether a particular agency should be listed as a nationally recognized 
accrediting agency are contained in 34 CFR part 602, while the criteria 
for State approval agencies are contained in 34 CFR part 603. The dates 
specified in parentheses for each agency are the date of initial 
listing as a nationally recognized agency, the date of the Secretary's 
most recent grant of recognition to the agency, and the date of the 
agency's next scheduled review for continued recognition. The 
geographical scope of recognition of each accrediting agency is the 
United States, unless stated otherwise. If the Secretary has placed a 
limitation on the scope of an agency's recognition for purposes of 
Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, that 
limitation is noted in a ``Title IV Note'' for that agency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 20 U.S.C. 1094(c)(4), 1141(a), 1145(c)(3), 1401(a)(11)(E), 
2471(25)(D), 4351(3), 25 U.S.C. 1813; 38 U.S.C. 3675(a); 42 U.S.C. 
298b(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Regional Institutional Accrediting Agencies

    Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on 
Higher Education (1952/1996/2001). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of 
institutions of higher education in Delaware, the District of Columbia, 
Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. 
Virgin Islands, the Republic of Panama and a limited number of 
freestanding American-style institutions abroad that are chartered or 
licensed by an appropriate agency within the Middle States region.
    Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on 
Secondary Schools (1988/1996/1999). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of 
public vocational/technical schools offering non-degree, postsecondary 
education in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, 
New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

    Title IV Note: Only those public vocational/technical schools 
accredited by this agency that offer non-degree, postsecondary 
education may use that accreditation to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.

    New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on 
Institutions of Higher Education (1952/1997/2002). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for 
Accreditation'') of institutions of higher education in Connecticut, 
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont that 
award bachelor's, master's, and/or doctoral degrees as well as 
associate degree-granting institutions in those states that include 
degrees in liberal arts or general studies among their offerings. This 
recognition extends to the Board of Trustees of the Association jointly 
with the Commission for decisions involving preaccreditation, initial 
accreditation, and adverse actions.
    New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on 
Technical and Career Institutions (1952/1997/2002). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidacy'') of 
secondary institutions with vocational-technical programs at the 13th 
and 14th level, postsecondary institutions, and institutions of higher 
education that provide primarily vocational-technical education at the 
certificate, associate, and baccalaureate degree levels in Connecticut, 
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This 
recognition extends to the Board of Trustees of the Association jointly 
with the Commission for decisions involving preaccreditation, initial 
accreditation, and adverse actions.

    Title IV Note: Any public vocational/technical schools 
accredited by this agency that offer non-degree, postsecondary 
education and that wish to use that accreditation to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs must be accredited 
by the agency as offering education through the 13th and/or 14th 
grade level.

    North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on 
Institutions of Higher Education (1952/1997/2002). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for 
Accreditation'') of degree-granting institutions of higher education in 
Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, 
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, 
Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the 
Navajo Nation.
    North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on 
Schools (1974/1998/2000). Scope of recognition: The accreditation and 
preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of schools offering 
non-degree, postsecondary education in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, 
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 
Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West 
Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the Navajo Nation.

    Title IV Note: Only those public vocational/technical schools 
accredited by this agency that offer non-degree, postsecondary 
education may use that accreditation to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.

    Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on 
Colleges (1952/1997/2002). Scope of recognition: The accreditation and 
preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of

[[Page 50707]]

institutions of higher education in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, 
Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
    Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on 
Colleges (1952/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: The accreditation and 
preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of degree-granting 
institutions of higher education in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, 
Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
    Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission 
for Community and Junior Colleges (1952/1997/2002). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for 
Accreditation'') of community and junior colleges in California, 
Hawaii, the United States territories of Guam and American Samoa, the 
Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Marianna Islands, and the Republic of the Marshall 
Islands.
    Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission 
for Schools (1974/1995/1999). Scope of recognition: The accreditation 
and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of adult and 
postsecondary schools that offer programs below the degree level in 
California, Hawaii, the United States territories of Guam and American 
Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands, and the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands.

    Title IV Note: Only adult and postsecondary schools accredited 
by this agency that offer postsecondary programs below the degree 
level may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility 
to participate in Title IV programs.

    Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission 
for Senior Colleges and Universities (1952/1995/2000). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for 
Accreditation'') of senior colleges and universities in California, 
Hawaii, the United States territories of Guam and American Samoa, the 
Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Marianna Islands, and the Republic of the Marshall 
Islands.

II. National Institutional and Specialized Accrediting Agencies

    Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (1952/
1997/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of basic 
(baccalaureate) and advanced (master's) level programs in engineering, 
associate and baccalaureate degree programs in engineering technology, 
and engineering-related programs at the baccalaureate and advanced 
degree level.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine 
(1988/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of first-
professional master's degree and professional master's level 
certificate and diploma programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of 
acupuncture or Oriental medicine may use accreditation by this 
agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

    Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges, Commission on 
Accreditation (1952/1996/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation 
and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of Bible 
colleges and institutes offering undergraduate programs.
    Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (1982/1995/1998). 
Scope of recognition: The accreditation of private, postsecondary 
allied health education institutions, private medical assistant 
programs, public and private medical laboratory technician programs, 
and allied health programs leading to the Associate of Applied Science 
and the Associate of Occupational Science degree.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding allied health education schools 
may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.

    Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology 
(1967/1995/1999). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of private, 
postsecondary, non-degree-granting institutions and degree-granting 
institutions, including those granting associate and baccalaureate 
degrees, that are predominantly organized to educate students for 
occupational, trade and technical careers.
    Accrediting Commission on Education for Health Services 
Administration (1970/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation of graduate programs in health services administration.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (1978/
1997/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of institutions of 
higher education that offer non-collegiate continuing education 
programs.

    Title IV Note: Only those institutions classified by this agency 
as ``vocational'' may use accreditation by the agency to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

    Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (1956/
1995/2000). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of private 
postsecondary institutions offering business and business-related 
programs and the accreditation and preaccreditation (``Recognized 
Candidate'') of junior and senior colleges of business (including 
senior colleges with master's degree programs), as well as independent, 
freestanding institutions offering only graduate business and business-
related programs at the master's degree level.

    Title IV Note: The only institutions preaccredited by this 
agency that may use that preaccreditation to establish eligibility 
to participate in Title IV programs are private, non-profit junior 
and senior colleges of business and private, non-profit freestanding 
institutions offering only graduate business and business-related 
programs at the master's degree level.

    Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass 
Communications (1952/1996/2001). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation of units within institutions offering professional 
undergraduate and graduate (master's) degree programs in journalism and 
mass communications.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    American Academy for Liberal Education (1995/1997/2001). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for 
Accreditation'') of institutions of higher education and programs 
within institutions of higher education that offer liberal arts degrees 
at the baccalaureate level or a documented equivalency.

    Title IV Note: Only institutions of higher education accredited 
by this agency may use that accreditation to establish eligibility 
to participate in Title IV programs.

    American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Commission on 
Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (1978/1995/
2000). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of clinical training 
programs in marriage and family therapy at the master's, doctoral, and 
postgraduate levels.


[[Page 50708]]


    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Council on 
Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (1955/1996/
2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of institutions and 
programs of nurse anesthesia at the certificate, master's, or doctoral 
degree levels.

    Title IV Note: Only hospital-based nurse anesthesia programs and 
freestanding nurse anesthesia institutions may use accreditation by 
this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV 
programs.

    American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education 
and Admissions to the Bar (1952/1997/2000). Scope of recognition: the 
accreditation of law schools.
    Title IV Note: Only freestanding law schools may use 
accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate 
in Title IV programs.

    American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on 
Accreditation (1972/1997/2002). Scope of recognition: The accreditation 
of institutions and programs awarding diplomas, associate degrees and 
bachelor's degrees in funeral service or mortuary science.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of funeral 
service or mortuary science may use accreditation by this agency to 
establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    American College of Nurse-Midwives, Division of Accreditation 
(1982/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: The accreditation and 
preaccreditation (``Preaccreditation'') of basic certificate and 
graduate nurse-midwifery education programs for registered nurses, as 
well as the accreditation and preaccreditation of pre-certification 
nurse-midwifery education programs.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (1952/1995/2000). 
Scope of recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation 
(``Precandidate'' and ``Candidate'') of professional degree programs in 
pharmacy leading to the degrees of Baccalaureate in Pharmacy and Doctor 
of Pharmacy.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation 
(1952/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of 
predoctoral dental education programs (programs leading to the DDS of 
DMD degree); dental auxiliary education programs (dental assisting, 
dental hygiene and dental laboratory technology); and advanced dental 
educational programs (general practices residency, advanced general 
dentistry, and the specialties of dental public health, endodontics, 
oral pathology, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, 
pedodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics).

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    The American Dietetic Association, Commission on Accreditation/
Approval for Dietetics Education (1974/1996/2001). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation of coordinated programs in dietetics at 
both the undergraduate and graduate level, postbaccalaureate dietetic 
internships, and dietetic technician programs at the associate degree 
level.

    Title IV Note: Only postbaccalaureate dietetic internship 
programs may use accreditation by this agency to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

    American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council 
for Occupational Therapy Education (1952/1995/2000). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation of entry-level professional occupational 
therapy educational programs awarding baccalaureate degrees, post-
baccalaureate certificates, professional master's degrees, and combined 
baccalaureate/ master's degrees, and also for the accreditation of 
occupational therapy assistant programs leading to an associate degree 
or certificate.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    American Optometric Association, Council on Optometric Education 
(1952/1997/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation and 
preaccreditation (``Reasonable Assurance'' and ``Preliminary Approval'' 
[for professional degree programs] and ``Candidacy Pending'' [for 
optometric residency programs in Veterans'' Administration facilities) 
of professional optometric degree programs, optometric residency 
programs, and optometric technician (associate degree) programs.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    American Osteopathic Association, Bureau of Professional Education 
(1952/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: The accreditation and 
preaccreditation (``Provisional Accreditation'') of freestanding 
institutions of osteopathic medicine and programs leading to the degree 
of Doctor of Osteopathy or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of 
osteopathic medicine may use accreditation by this agency to 
establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

    American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation 
in Education (1977/1996/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation 
and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'' status) of 
programs for the preparation of physical therapists and physical 
therapist assistants.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.
    American Podiatric Medical Association, Council on Podiatric 
Medical Education (1952/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate Status'') of 
freestanding colleges of podiatric medicine and programs of podiatric 
medicine, including first professional programs leading to the degree 
of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of 
podiatric medicine may use accreditation by this agency to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

    American Psychological Association, Committee on Accreditation 
(1970/1997/1999). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of doctoral 
programs in clinical, counseling, school and combined professional-
scientific psychology, predoctoral internship programs in professional 
psychology, and postdoctoral residency programs in professional 
psychology.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic 
Accreditation (1967/1997/2002). Scope of recognition: The accreditation 
and preaccreditation (``Candidacy Status'') of Master's and doctoral-
level degree programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education 
(1952/1997/2001). Scope of recognition:

[[Page 50709]]

The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Reasonable Assurance'') of 
programs leading to professional degrees (D.V.M. or D.M.V.) in 
veterinary medicine.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc., Accreditation 
Commission (1969/1998/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation 
and preaccreditation (``Candidacy for Accredited Membership'') of 
clinical pastoral education (CPE) centers and CPE and supervisory CPE 
programs.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools, 
Accreditation Commission (1974/1997/2002). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Correspondent'' and 
``Candidate'') of advanced rabbinical and Talmudic schools.
    Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, 
Commission on Accrediting (1952/1995/1999). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accredited 
Status'') of freestanding institutions, as well as programs affiliated 
with larger institutions, that offer graduate professional education 
for ministry and graduate study of theology.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding institutions, colleges, or 
seminaries of theology may use accreditation by this agency to 
establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

    Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (1985/1998/2001). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation of two-year programs for the ophthalmic 
dispenser and one-year programs for the ophthalmic laboratory 
technician.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    The Council on Chiropractic Education, Commission on Accreditation 
(1974/1997/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of Doctor of 
Chiropractic programs and single-purpose institutions offering the 
Doctor of Chiropractic program.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of 
chiropractic may use accreditation by this agency to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

    Council on Education for Public Health (1974/1997/2001). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation 
(``Preaccreditation'') of graduate schools of public health, graduate 
programs in community health education outside schools of public 
health, and graduate programs in community health/preventive medicine 
outside schools of public health.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (1987/1995/1999). Scope 
of recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for 
Accreditation'') of institutions and graduate programs in Naturopathy 
that lead to the degree of Doctor of Naturopathy (N.D.) or Doctor of 
Naturopathic Medicine (N.M.D.).

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of 
naturopathic medicine or naturopathy may use accreditation by this 
agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

    Council on Occupational Education (1969/1997/2000). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for 
Accreditation'') of non-degree granting postsecondary occupational/
vocational institutions and those postsecondary occupational/vocational 
education institutions that grant the applied associate degree in 
specific vocational/occupational fields.
    Distance Education and Training Council, Accrediting Commission 
(1959/1996/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of private 
and non-private distance education institutions offering non-degree and 
associate, baccalaureate, and master's degree programs primarily 
through the distance learning method.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine 
Technology (1974/1995/1999). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of 
higher education programs for the nuclear medicine technologist.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (1957/
1995/2000). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of educational 
programs for radiographers and radiation therapists.

    Title IV Note: Only hospital-based radiologic technology 
programs and freestanding radiologic technology institutions may use 
accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate 
in Title IV programs.

    Liaison Committee on Medical Education (1952/1997/2002). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation of medical education programs leading to 
the M.D. degree.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education, Commission 
on Accreditation (1995/1997/1999). Scope of recognition: the 
accreditation of Montessori teacher education institutions and programs 
evaluated by the following review committees: the American Montessori 
Society Review Committee and the Independent Review Committee.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding Montessori teacher education 
schools may use accreditation by this agency to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs. Further, that 
accreditation must have been granted in conjunction with the 
accrediting activities of the review committees listed above.

    National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (1974/
1996/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of programs in 
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory 
Technician/Medical Laboratory Technician-Associate Degree, Clinical 
Laboratory Technician/Medical Laboratory Technician-Certificate, 
Histologic Technician/ Histotechnologist, and Pathologists' Assistant.

    Title IV Note: Only hospital-based clinical laboratory science 
programs and freestanding laboratory science institutions may use 
accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate 
in Title IV programs.

    National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences 
(1970/1996/1999). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of 
postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences.
    National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Reproductive Health, 
Council on Accreditation (1996/1998/2002). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation of women's health nurse practitioner programs.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on 
Accreditation (1966/1997/2002). Scope

[[Page 50710]]

of recognition: The accreditation of institutions and units within 
institutions offering degree-granting and non-degree-granting programs 
in art, design, or art/design-related disciplines.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of art and 
design may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility 
to participate in Title IV programs.

    National Association of Schools of Dance, Commission on 
Accreditation (1983/1997/2002). Scope of recognition: The accreditation 
of institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting 
and non-degree-granting programs in dance and dance-related 
disciplines.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of dance 
may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.

    National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on 
Accreditation, Commission on Non-Degree-Granting Accreditation, 
Commission on Community/Junior College Accreditation (1952/1997/2002). 
Scope of recognition: The accreditation of institutions and units 
within institutions offering degree-granting and non-degree granting 
programs in music and music-related disciplines, including community/
junior colleges and independent degree-granting and non-degree-granting 
institutions.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of music 
may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.

    National Association of Schools of Theater, Commission on 
Accreditation (1982/1997/2002). Scope of recognition: The accreditation 
of institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting 
and non-degree-granting programs in theatre and theatre-related 
disciplines.

    Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of theatre 
may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.

    National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (1952/1995/
2000). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of professional 
education units providing baccalaureate and graduate degree programs 
for the preparation of teachers and other professional personnel for 
elementary and secondary schools.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation 
Council (1995/1996/1998). Scope of recognition: The accreditation and 
preaccreditation (``Preaccreditation'') of baccalaureate programs in 
environmental health science and protection.

    Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.

    National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (1952/1997/
1998). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of programs in practical 
nursing, and diploma, associate, baccalaureate and higher degree nurse 
education programs.

    Title IV Note: Only diploma programs and practical nursing 
programs not located in a regionally accredited college or 
university may use accreditation by this agency to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

    New York State Board of Regents (1952/1995/1998). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation (registration) of collegiate degree-
granting programs or curricula offered by institutions of higher 
education located in the State of New York and of credit-bearing 
certificate and diploma programs offered by degree-granting 
institutions of higher education located in the State of New York.
    Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, 
Accrediting Commission (1991/1996/1999). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of 
postsecondary institutions that offer certificates, diplomas, and 
associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees.

III. State Approval Agencies for Public Postsecondary Vocational 
Education

    Arkansas State Board of Vocational Education (1975/1994/1998).
    Kansas State Board of Education (1975/1998/2002).
    Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities 
(1974/1995/1999).
    Missouri State Board of Education (1974/1995/1999).
    New York State Board of Regents (1974/1998/2002).
    Oklahoma State Board of Vocational and Technical Education (1976/
1994/1998). Scope of recognition: The approval of public postsecondary 
vocational education offered at institutions in the State of Oklahoma 
that are not under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma State Regents for 
Higher Education.
    Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (1976/1996/2000). Scope 
of recognition: The approval of public postsecondary vocational 
education in the state of Oklahoma for which credit earned is applied 
toward a degree, diploma, or other postsecondary academic or collegiate 
award given at State institutions comprising the Oklahoma State System 
of Higher Education.
    Puerto Rico Human Resources and Occupational Development Council 
(1983/1996/2000).
    Utah State Board for Vocational Education (1976/1994/1998).

IV. State Approval Agencies for Nurse Education

    Colorado Board of Nursing (1990/1995/1999).
    Iowa Board of Nursing (1969/1994/1998).
    Maryland Board of Nursing (1985/1994/1998).
    Missouri State Board of Nursing (1970/1995/1999).
    Montana Board of Nursing (1969/1996/2000).
    New Hampshire Board of Nursing (1969/1995/1999).
    New York State Board of Regents (1969/1998/2002).

Electronic Access to This Document

    Anyone may view this document, as well as all other Department of 
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or 
portable document format (pdf) on the World Wide Web at either of the 
following sites: http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.hmt http://www.ed.gov/
news.html To use the pdf you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program 
with Search, which is available free at either of the previous sites. 
If you have questions about using the pdf, call the U.S. Government 
Printing Office toll free at 1-888-293-6498.

    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094(c)(4), 1141(a), 1145(c)(3), 
1401(a)(11)(E), 2471(25)(D), 4351(3), 25 U.S.C. 1813; 38 U.S.C. 3675 
(a); 42 U.S.C. 298b(6).

    Dated: September 15, 1998.
David A. Longanecker,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 98-25226 Filed 9-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P