After more than a year of preparation, the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MCAOM) at Northwestern Health Sciences University submitted its self-study in April 2009.

"The process started in October 2007," stated Mark McKenzie, dean of MCAOM. "It was kicked off in February 2008. The self-study takes about 16 months to complete."

According to McKenzie, a self-study is submitted 18 months before accreditation is up. "Last time was a four-year accreditation. We're hoping for a seven-year accreditation this time."

Within the self-study there are 14 standards. MCAOM was compliance with all 14. Some were considered strengths such as governance, administration, library, facilities, learning resources and finance. McKenzie added, "Specific areas need further development, such as assessment and evaluation. We're always trying to improve."

The department is making changes based on the outcomes of the self-study. Some of these include language in the mission and significant changes in the assessment mechanism.

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