SEARCHFor Site Visitors
Tools and Resources
for ARC-AA Site Visitors
The site visit is the most critical and complex aspect of the accreditation process. From the applicant program’s perspective, it is also the most visible function of the Accreditation Review Committee for the Anesthesiologist Assistant (ARC-AA). The ARC-AA is responsible for assuring that those engaged in the site visit are qualified and competent.
The Site Visit Team must accurately and reliably collect, review, interpret, verify, and document all information about the program seeking accreditation. The accreditation recommendation made by the ARC-AA Board of Directors to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) depends upon the information gathered. Unless this information is accurate and fully documented, we will find it difficult to reach a fair and objective decision concerning the education program.
To ensure successful, transparent, and unbiased site visits, we have developed the following tools to amplify and strengthen the work of our site visit teams. These resources include:
The Site Visit Documentation Checklist
The program must share clear documentation before, during, and after the site visit. The program will use this checklist before the site visit to identify and note all applicable documentation for review by ARC-AA.
Site Visit Scripts, Talking Points, and Conversation Starters
Since the accreditation process can be influenced by the performance of our site visit team, we have developed a series of scripts, talking points, and conversational starters to ensure consistency and fairness during the review process.
During the site visit, you may feel like you are being too repetitive. You will give the same introduction of who your team members are and why you are there with each group of individuals you meet. You will be asking the same question multiple times, however, each time, it will be to a different group of stakeholders. As a site visit team, you are looking for common themes. The goal is for a conversational approach that places people at ease with the people you are talking with.
Please refer to this document as you prepare for your site visits to ensure consistency across program evaluation.
The Site Visit Report Template
To ensure that every site visit conducted by ARC-AA follows the same standards and processes, we have developed a detailed Site Visit Report for our site visit team to fill out during the site visit.
This Site Visit Report Includes:
- Sponsorship
- Program Goals
- Resources
- Student & Graduate Evaluations
- Fair Practices
Expense Reimbursement Form
Our site visit teams are reimbursed for expenses that occur during the site visit including:
- Airfare
- Mileage
- Ground Transportation
- Parking
- Lodging
- Meals
- Tips
- Internet
Please fill this expense report out for every site visit you attend and attach all noted receipts.
