Due to the continuation of the pandemic, the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) voted to extend the temporary use of virtual site visits through June 30, 2022 for both applicant and accredited programs. Also, the CoA will be hosting workshops for both self-study preparation and site visitor training using virtual/distance methods this summer. Please visit our website for the specific virtual workshop times and dates. If you would like to attend one of the virtual workshops, please contact us to register.
Continuing from the fall 2021 CoA Update, programs are advised to continue following the guidance offered by their institutional administration, as well as that from the World Health Organizationopens in new window, the U.S. Center for Disease Controlopens in new window and the state and local health departments in the program’s location in regard to maintaining operations in a manner that reduces risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. In addition, the office of post-secondary education of the US Department of Education has provided guidance for programsopens in new window that allows flexibility in the methods by which students may continue their education.
The Commission continues to support programs in their efforts to determine the best ways for students and trainees to successfully develop knowledge and competencies in accord with program requirements. The CoA’s guidance on the APA accreditation website remains effective as long as there are restrictions concomitant with the pandemic’s impact. This information will be updated as decisions are made by the CoA. Please note that current guidance has been updated with recommendations regarding the use of simulations as part of clinical training. There may be some questions for which answers are still not immediately known given the evolution of the current situation. Even so, we ask that you contact the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation with your questions and know that we will respond as soon as we are able.