Accreditations
Institutional Accreditation
Central Ohio Technical College is fully accredited at the institutional level by the Higher Learning Commission.
Address: 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1411
Phone: 312.263.0456; Fax: 312.263.7462.
The process is cyclical with the last reaffirmation of accreditation occurring in 2018-2019. An assurance review was successfully completed in 2023 with no significant comments. The next reaffirmation is in 2028.
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation focuses on specific academic programs. The following list of COTC programs are accredited through this mechanism.
| Accrediting Agency |
Academic Program |
Status |
| Accreditation Council for Business School and Programs (ACBSP) |
Business Management Technology |
In good standing; next reaffirmation visit 2026. |
| Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) |
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology
- Abdominal-Extended
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Vascular
- Adult Echocardiography
|
In good standing; accredited through 2026. Self-study due 2025. |
|
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Initial accreditation achieved and notification received in a letter of July 14, 2010.
|
Early Childhood Education Technology, Early Childhood Development & Teaching options |
In good standing. Accredited with conditions through December 2026. Response to conditions due Sept. 30 of 2025 and 2026. |
| State Department of Public Safety |
Emergency Medical Services Technology |
In good standing; accredited until May 2025. |
| Technology Accreditation Committee of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC-ABET) |
Electrical Engineering Technology |
Accredited until Sept. 30, 2028. Site visit request submitted to ABET by Jan. 31, 2027. Self-study due by July 1, 2027. |
| International Fire Service Accreditation Congress |
Fire Science Technology |
In good standing. Accredited to April 2027. |
|
Council for Standards in Human Services Education
The Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) has been approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to serve as an accrediting body
|
Human Services Technology/Social Work Assistant |
Self-study submitted March 2021 re-approved through February 2026. Self-study due November 2025. Site visit February 2026. |
Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission, Ohio Attorney General’s Office
(accredited by each academy offering) |
Law Enforcement Technology
Peace Officer Basic Training |
In good standing. (Each academy is accredited on as needed basis.) |
|
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Phone: 404.975.5000
|
Nursing Technology (Associate Degree Nursing) |
In good standing. Next reaccreditation Fall 2028. |
| Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology |
Radiologic Science Technology |
In good standing. Accredited to 2025. |
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
Provisional accreditation received and notification obtained on Nov. 17, 2024 |
Respiratory Therapy Technology |
This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self-Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation. |
| Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) |
Surgical Technology
|
In good standing; Response to Report of Findings from Site Visit submitted March 21, 2025. Awaiting reaccreditation decision from CAHHEP. |
Program Approval
Some programs engage in an external review process as part of program approval including:
| Accrediting Agency |
Academic Program |
| Ohio Department of Education, Pre-Kindergarten Licensure |
Early Childhood Education Technology |
| Ohio Department of Public Safety, Emergency Medical Services |
Emergency Medical Services Technology |
| Ohio Board of Nursing |
Nursing Technology, Associate Degree Nursing |
| Ohio Board of Nursing |
Nursing Technology, Practical Nursing Certificate |
Memberships
Central Ohio Technical College is a member of the:
- Higher Learning Commission
- American Association for Higher Education
- American Association of Community Colleges
- American Council on Education
- American Technical Education Association, Inc.
- National League for Nursing
- Ohio Association of Two-Year Colleges
- Ohio College Association
- Ohio Two-Year College Placement Association
- League for Innovation in the Community College
- American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
COTC programs qualify for Veterans Administration benefits.
State Authorization
What is State Authorization?
State authorization refers to federal, state and professional licensing board regulations that impact online postsecondary educational programs offered across state lines that lead to professional licensure or certification. Compliance with these regulations ensures that your degree from Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) will be recognized, COTC students will be eligible to sit for licensure in states other than Ohio, and COTC students have access to state licensure information.
SARA
The state of Ohio is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), an agreement that establishes common standards for states offering online/distance learning education courses and programs to students in other states while maintaining compliance with state regulations. As a member participating in SARA, COTC can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state. COTC was approved as a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) in 2015.
Learn more about NC-SARA
Authorization & Academic Approval by State
Out-of-state students who are seeking a professional license program through online courses at Central Ohio Technical College should first contact their home state licensing agency. NC-SARA does not provide reciprocity for these programs, and Ohio licensing requirements may not meet the criteria of other state.
Contact
James Jarc
Dean of Arts and Sciences
740.366-9285
