JRCNMT.org

Overview of Review Committee Operations

The JRCNMT, in collaboration with the AMA Council of Medical Education (CME), began accrediting educational programs for nuclear medicine technologists in 1970. In 1976, the CME delegated to the newly formed Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) the responsibility and authority for allied health education accreditation in collaboration with the respective review committees. Following the dissolution of CAHEA in l994, the JRCNMT assumed the responsibilities for all aspects of the accreditation of nuclear medicine technology programs.

Recognition by the United States Secretary of Education was granted upon initial application in 1974. The Secretary continues to recognize the JRCNMT as the authority to accredit nuclear medicine technology programs. Recognition of the JRCNMT by a voluntary non-governmental agency was initiated in 1983 and continues today under the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Recognition was granted in the same year and has been ongoing since then.

The Essentials of an Accredited Educational Program for the Nuclear Medicine Technologist was originally adopted by the collaborating organizations in 1969. The Essentials was substantially revised in 1976, 1984, 1991, 1997 and 2003.

The operations of the JRCNMT are governed by the following documents:

1. By-laws of the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology – this document governs the corporate affairs of the Review Committee. The by-laws are developed by the JRCNMT as an autonomous agency and are not subject to review by the sponsoring organizations.

2. Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Nuclear Medicine Technologist - this document contains the minimum standards of quality used in accrediting programs that prepare individuals to enter the Nuclear Medicine Technology profession. The document is reviewed by all applicable communities of interest prior to approval by the JRCNMT and its sponsoring organizations. These communities of interest include practitioners, educators, employers, related professionals, students, institutional administrators, national societies and agencies, and the public.

3. JRCNMT Manual of Accreditation Policies and Procedures – this document contains the policies and procedures that guide the Review Committee accreditation process. Following review by the communities of interest policy documents are approved by the JRCNMT. The manual is divided into five descriptive categories: 1) Operating Provisions, 2) Standards, 3) Evaluative Practices and Procedures, 4) Administrative Practices and Procedures, and 5) Public Responsibility. The Manual of Accreditation Policies and Procedures is available to interested parties in its entirety upon request.

4. JRCNMT Manual of Program Evaluation Procedures – this document provides guidance to program directors in the accreditation process. The document provides a brief history of the JRCNMT; its’ structure and functions; a description of the accreditation process; comments for the use of the Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Nuclear Medicine Technologist; description of the self-study and site visit processes, and the Classification of Accreditation Decisions.

The JRCNMT requires each program requesting initial or continued accreditation submit a self-study report demonstrating its degree of compliance with the Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Upon receipt of the document, two members of the Review Committee conduct an initial review the self-study. A site visit is then conducted. The initial review team is assigned to review the site visit report and all other reports related to the assigned program. A written recommendation for an accreditation action along with copies of the self-study report are presented to the Board at one of its semi-annual meetings. Two members also review each clinical affiliate application and all related reports and present recommendations at the semi-annual meeting of the Board.

Accreditation decisions are based upon a program’s compliance with the standards published in the Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Review Committee has determined the following intervals be used for duration of accreditation. A maximum interval of three (3) years will be awarded programs receiving initial accreditation. Upon submission of a satisfactory two-year follow-up report, the duration of accreditation may be extended two (2) years. Programs undergoing continued accreditation may be awarded a maximum interval of five (5) years for the next two reaccredidation cycles. Programs having no significant findings during this time may be awarded a maximum interval of seven (7) years on the fourth and subsequent accreditation cycles. Programs awarded a seven (7) year accreditation interval are required to submit a mid-cycle progress report. The Review Committee may require an earlier revisit based on the findings of the mid-cycle progress report. Definitions of accreditation categories are published in the Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Nuclear Medicine Technologist, the Manual of Accreditation Policies and Procedures and the Manual of Program Evaluation Procedures, and the Directory of Accredited Programs.

The Review Committee uses the following reports depending on the accreditation status awarded the program:|

• Follow-up Report – programs granted initial accreditation submit a follow-up report at the end of two years. The report addresses any changes resulting from the assessment of the first two years operation.

• Mid-Cycle Report – programs granted accreditation for 7 years submit a mid-cycle report. This report addresses any change in the program with respect to the Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

• Progress Report – programs not in compliance with one or more of the Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Nuclear Medicine Technologist must submit a progress report within a specified time period.

• Annual Report – all programs must submit an annual report addressing key operational elements and outcomes.

The JRCNMT publishes a list of accredited programs for the information of prospective students, employers and the public.