Pierce College Accreditation
Pierce College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one that has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 558-4224
For further information on Pierce College accreditation contact:
Allison Sieving
Dean of Business and Social Sciences
253-964-6490
Why Accreditation Is Important
Regional accreditation is a process of recognizing educational institutions for performance, integrity and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the educational community and the public. Accreditation qualifies institutions and enrolled students for access to federal funds to support teaching, research and student financial aid and assures students that credits earned will transfer to other accredited institutions.
The process of accreditation helps the college dedicate time to reflect on its programs and processes, what it does well, where it needs to improve, and how well it serves its mission and goals and therefore its students. This self-analysis helps the institution become a more effective organization.
Pierce College Accreditation Communications
- Pierce College Employee Accreditation Update (November 19, 2021)
- Pierce College Accreditation - A Request For Your Feedback (June 6, 2022)
Pierce College NWCCU Activities
2022 Year 6 Policies, Regulations, and Financial Review (PRFR)
Date | Activity |
---|---|
November 2021 – February 2022 | Teams drafting PRFR content |
April 2022 | Council and Committee Review of PRFR Draft |
May 2022 | College Community Review of PRFR Draft |
June 2022 | Marketing and Communications Review of PRFR Draft |
August 2022 | Board of Trustees Review of PRFR |
September 2022 | Submission of PRFR to NWCCU |
2023 Year 7 Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness (EIE)
Date | Activity |
---|---|
Summer/Fall 2023 | Submission of EIE to NWCCU |
Reports Related to Our Accreditation
The following reports document the ongoing accreditation process:
Year | Report | Appendices |
---|---|---|
2022 | Policies, Regulations and Financial Review (College Community DRAFT) | |
2019 | Year Three Mid-Cycle Report | |
2017 | Year One Report | |
2016 | Year Seven Self Study | |
2013 | Year Three Self Study | |
2011 | Year One Self Study | |
2010 | Focused Report | Appendices |
2009 | Focused Report | |
2007 | Comprehensive Self Study |
Individual Program Accreditation
Program | Accreditation |
---|---|
Dental Hygiene | American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) |
Nursing | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN); Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, Washington State Department of Health |
Veterinary Technology | American Veterinary Medical Association; Washington State Veterinary Medical Association |
Emergency Medical Services | Registered with National Registry of EMT (NREMT), approved by WA state |
Fire Services Leadership & Management | International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) |
Early Childhood Education | Meets state licensure and WA State Professional Educators Standards Board (PESB) |