Programmatic Accreditation

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by providing specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs. The ACEN is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization, and participation in its accreditation process is voluntary.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) in collaboration with Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)

The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) was established in 1969 with the mission of ensuring quality patient care. As the oldest and most widely recognized professional organizations for surgical technologists, AST's primary purpose is to ensure that surgical technologists possess the knowledge, and skill sets to administer the highest quality of care for every patient. 

American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation

The Commission on Dental Accreditation serves the public and dental professions by developing and implementing accreditation standards that promote and monitor the continuous quality and improvement of dental education programs.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educations Programs (CAAHEP)

The Southwestern College Paramedic Education Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) (www.coaemsp.org)

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)

The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)  program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Accreditation validates the educational quality of the program’s standards that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for their field. NAACLS accredited programs are recognized by employers, certification, and state licensing bodies as credible which provides graduates opportunities nationwide.

California Department of Health Services Licensing and Certification Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS)

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public’s health and shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

The Board serves and protects the public by licensing qualified and competent vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians through ongoing educational oversight, regulation, and enforcement.

American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Paralegals

The Standing Committee on Paralegals develops and promotes policies relating to the education, employment, training and effective use of paralegals. The Standing Committee, through its Approval Commission, continues to serve as the body to set standards for paralegal education. In addition to overseeing the approval process, the Standing Committee monitors trends in the field and provides information for those persons interested in becoming paralegals.

State of California Department of Justice Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)

The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) was established by the Legislature in 1959 to set minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement. In 2021, POST was given additional authority by the legislature to certify peace officers, as well as to suspend and decertify peace officers for serious misconduct. The POST organization, with more than 260 staff members, functions under the direction of an Executive Director appointed by the Commission.

Automotive Services Excellence Education Foundation

The Automotive Technology Program at Southwestern College is accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation. This accreditation ensures that our program meets industry-recognized standards for instruction, facilities, and student outcomes, helping students prepare for successful careers as professional automotive technicians.