Understanding Accreditation
Accreditation is the independent process of setting educational standards for medical training programs and verifying — through structured review — that those programs meet them.
What is Accreditation
Accreditation is one of the most frequently misunderstood parts of physician education and training. It is often confused with physician licensure, board certification, funding, or employment oversight. While these systems work together, they serve very different purposes and are administered by different organizations.
Three Systems, Three Different Purposes
Issued By
ACGME · LCME · COCAApplies To
Training programs & sponsoring institutionsWhat It Means
Verifies educational quality and training standardsIssued Through
Independent accreditation reviewRequired?
Required for accredited residency programsDuration
Continuous with periodic reviewsExample
An Internal Medicine residency is ACGME accredited.
Accreditation Applies to Programs, Not Physicians
Accreditation is a formal recognition that a residency or fellowship program meets established educational and clinical training standards. It applies to programs and sponsoring institutions—not to individual physicians. The ACGME evaluates whether training programs provide the curriculum, supervision, and learning environment necessary for physicians to complete their education successfully.
Why Accreditation Exists
Accreditation creates a consistent national framework for physician training. It helps ensure that residents and fellows receive high-quality education regardless of where they train, while supporting patient safety, supervision, and continuous improvement across programs.
Why Accreditation Matters
Consistent training standards help support patients, communities, physicians, and the healthcare system as a whole.
For Patients
Consistent educational standards help support quality care.
For Communities
National standards support consistency across training environments.
For Policymakers
Accreditation is one piece of a broader quality assurance system.
How Accreditation Works
What the ACGME Does—and Doesn't Do
Common Misconceptions
The ACGME Runs the Match
Reality: The NRMP runs the Match. The ACGME accredits training programs.
The ACGME Licenses Physicians
Reality: State medical boards issue physician licenses.
The ACGME Sets Resident Pay
Reality: Hospitals and sponsoring institutions determine compensation.
Lorem ient al asquitar sed
Reality: The NRMP runs the Match. The ACGME accredits training programs.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit ament al asquitar sed
Reality: State medical boards issue physician licenses.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit ament al asquitar sed
Reality: Hospitals and sponsoring institutions determine compensation.
Downloadable Resources
Who Does What
Sed ornare, augue a placerat convallis, mi nulla elementum velit,
GME One-Page Brief
Sed ornare, augue a placerat convallis, mi nulla elementum velit,
Media Backgrounder
Sed ornare, augue a placerat convallis, mi nulla elementum velit,
State Vs. Federal Roles
Sed ornare, augue a placerat convallis, mi nulla elementum velit,
