Government officials and trade organizations expect postsecondary institutions to adhere to strict standards while training future graduates. Accreditation comes from national or regional accrediting organizations. Achieving and maintaining accreditation from one or more programs attracts students concerned about whether their credits will transfer and if they can continue their education beyond the four walls of their university or trade school.
School administrators can make their job easier in achieving and maintaining their status by figuring out the best accreditation management software for them.
Criteria for Determining the Top Accreditation Management Software
Accreditation impacts whether the school attracts students and also concerns current ones. Finding a program that tracks key performance indicators is crucial to managing expectations and retaining status. Here are five factors to consider when determining how well the software meets the needs of postsecondary institutions.
| Scalability | Does the software scale up as the school grows? |
| Standards Adherence | The software should track how well a school meets the requirements of each accrediting agency. |
| Integration | The software should work alongside other programs the school already utilizes, such as grading systems. |
| Excellent User Interface | The system should be easy for administrators to use without steep learning curves. |
| Flexibility | Customizations allow administrators to pivot should they need to pick up an additional accreditation or go in another direction. |
What Is the Best Accreditation Management Software for Higher Institutions?
Managing the accreditation process requires an intense focus on detail and data collection. Management systems automate processes and do the heavy lifting so administrators can focus on building better programs that prepare students for the workforce. Maintaining the endorsement can be time-consuming, but the right programs make it much easier to maintain the status. Here are the five best options to track efforts.
1. Watermark
For two decades, Watermark has helped schools collect the data needed for assessment, student retention and accreditation. If an accreditation review is looming, Watermark pulls the data and turns it into reports for the certification process. The software also highlights problem areas so the school can fix them. Access the software via mobile devices or desktops for on-the-go stats.
Watermark’s interface is intuitive. Even those with little experience with management software can learn it quickly. Pricing is customized based on the school’s needs.
Key features:
| Curriculum Mapping | 24/7 Live Representative Support |
| Faculty Activity Reporting | Comprehensive Reports |
2. Accurate Accreditation
Accurate Accreditation is a completely web-based software solution for higher education professionals. For ambulatory services accreditation, the software follows guidelines from The Joint Commission, AAAHC, ACHC, CMS, Quad A and all state regulations. It focuses on preparing for certification as well as ensuring details are HIPAA violation free.
Key features:
| Includes 100 Digital Logbooks | Easy Access Dashboard |
| Updated With Current Rules and Regulations | Integrates With Physician Credentialing |
3. Jetpack Accreditation Management by Virtual Atlantic
Although the name is similar to the online website security and management software, this particular program works only on ensuring institutions meet the needed milestones to maintain accreditation. It services both sides of the equation, helping accreditors alongside those seeking approval.
Key features:
| Zero Code Program | Personalized Plan for Each Client |
| Data Standardization | Easy Compliance Tracking for Institutions |
4. Weave
Weave is another accreditation management software that serves accrediting agencies and higher learning institutions. The story-based platform assesses programs and tells colleges and trade schools what they need to do to plan for accreditation reviews. It integrates resources into the software to show how students use critical thinking and other progress measures.
Key features:
| Gains Faculty Support | Adds New Criteria as Standards Change |
| Stores Standards Evidence | Creates Formatted Reports |
5. Creatrix Campus
This AI-based software automates higher education processes. Creatrix Campus is more than an accreditation management system — it is a full-spectrum program that assists students from the moment they apply until they graduate. At the same time, it offers a clear path for faculty management. Finally, it pulls everything together to show how the school meets or exceeds accreditation standards. The system is scalable as the student body and programs grow.
Key features:
| Mobile-Ready Program | Low or No Coding AI Platform |
| Planning and Budget Analysis | Data-Driven Suggestions for Improvement |
What to Look for in Accreditation Management
Keeping to the standards required to be a recognized institution is a complex process with many markers. Selecting the best software to ensure the school meets those rules is crucial to the institution’s long-term success. Here are things to consider when choosing a program.
Customization
The software must consider the needs of each organization and any upcoming reviews by specific accreditation agencies. As the student body, faculty and courses grow, the program must expand to meet those changes.
User Experience
Faculty members are stretched to the limit. Many lack time to learn a complex system. Any management system must be accessible to those with less technical knowledge than others. A simple environment allows leadership to utilize the program quickly and effectively.
Data Security
Data breaches can put students at risk and damage an institution’s reputation. Any software a school invests in must take cybersecurity seriously. It must also consider the privacy regulations colleges might fall under, particularly if they welcome international students.
Some of the regulations it should comply with include GDPR, FERPA and HIPAA. Make sure the software adheres to encryption standards and locks down any back door entry.
Automation
The key to excellent software implementation includes freeing up administrators’ time for other tasks. Accreditation management software should send automated reminders for benchmarks before a review. It will track tasks and results and create formatted reports for submission.
Cost
While spending a little more on the software can give schools additional features, sticking to a budget is also crucial. Take the time to talk to customer support about the overall spend based on institution size.
Gain the Advantage of Accreditation Management Software for Postsecondary Institutions
Streamlining the process to maintain and gain new accreditation is complicated. Accreditation management programs give colleges and trade schools an edge and ensure no small points get missed that might mean the difference between renewal and denial. The best accreditation management software varies based on the needs of each institution. Start using a program today and see how much it frees faculty time and directs efforts to constant improvement.
