Historically, accrediting agencies in the United States developed along geographic lines. Regional accrediting agencies served institutions within designated geographic areas, while national accrediting agencies often focused on career, technical, vocational, religious, or distance education institutions (Eaton, 2012).

Over time, this organizational distinction evolved into a commonly accepted perception that regional accreditation represented a superior level of institutional quality. Although many colleges, employers, and graduate schools adopted policies that favored institutions accredited by regional agencies, neither the Higher Education Act nor the Department of Education established a legal hierarchy of institutional quality based solely on regional versus national accreditation (20 U.S.C. § 1001, 2025). As the internet expanded, millions of webpages repeated the message that students should choose a “regionally accredited” institution.

Federal Regulatory Changes

In 2019, the Department of Education published final regulations revising the recognition of accrediting agencies. The regulations became effective on July 1, 2020, and removed the Department’s historical distinction between regional and national institutional accrediting agencies (Department of Education, 2019).

According to the Department:

“The final regulations remove geographic boundaries from institutional accrediting agencies.”

The revised regulations shifted the Department’s recognition process toward evaluating accrediting agencies based on their compliance with federal recognition criteria rather than geographic service areas (Department of Education, 2019).

The Department’s 2026 Interpretation

In February 2026, the Department issued a proposed interpretive rule titled Clarification of the Appropriate Use of Terms “National” and “Regional” by Recognized Accrediting Agencies (Department of Education, 2026a).

The Department stated:

“The Department does not recognize accrediting agencies as ‘regional’ accreditors.” (Department of Education, 2026a)

The Department further explained that the 2019 regulations effectively ended federal recognition of accrediting agencies as regional organizations beginning July 1, 2020. Instead, institutional accrediting agencies are recognized nationally by the Department of Education under the federal recognition process established in 34 C.F.R. Part 602 (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 2026).

The Department also expressed concern that continued use of the term regional accreditation may incorrectly imply that one category of federally recognized institutional accreditors possesses greater legal standing than another. Consequently, the Department maintains that federally recognized institutional accrediting agencies should no longer be distinguished as “regional” or “national” accrediting agencies for purposes of federal recognition.

What Students Should Consider

Although accreditation remains an essential factor when evaluating colleges and universities, students should recognize that institutional quality cannot be determined solely by historical accreditation terminology.

Instead, prospective students should evaluate institutions based on multiple considerations, including:

• Recognition by a federally recognized accrediting agency
• Programmatic accreditation where applicable
• Professional licensure requirements
• Transfer credit policies
• Academic quality
• Student outcomes
• Graduation rates
• Employer recognition
• Student support services

These factors provide a more comprehensive assessment of institutional quality than historical accreditation labels alone.

The distinction between regional and national accreditation has played an important role in American higher education for decades. Nevertheless, federal policy has evolved. The Department of Education no longer recognizes accrediting agencies as regional accreditors and has encouraged institutions to discontinue the use of terminology that no longer reflects the Department’s recognition framework.

Students should continue to carefully evaluate institutional accreditation, but they should also recognize that accreditation is only one component of institutional quality. Academic outcomes, programmatic accreditation, licensure eligibility, transfer policies, and student success remain critical factors when selecting a college or university.

References

20 U.S.C. § 1001. (2025). Institution of higher education. Cornell Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/20/1001

Department of Education. (2019). Student assistance general provisions; the Secretary’s recognition of accrediting agencies; the Secretary’s recognition procedures for State agencies (84 Fed. Reg. 58834). Federal Register. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/11/01/2019-23129/student-assistance-general-provisions-the-secretarys-recognition-of-accrediting-agencies-the

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. (2026). 34 C.F.R. Part 602—The Secretary’s recognition of accrediting agencies. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-VI/part-602

Eaton, J. S. (2012). An overview of U.S. accreditation (3rd ed.). Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

U.S. Department of Education. (2026a). Clarification of the appropriate use of terms “national” and “regional” by recognized accrediting agencies (Proposed interpretive rule). Federal Register. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/17/2026-03074/clarification-of-the-appropriate-use-of-terms-national-and-regional-by-recognized-accrediting

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Presented each year at the DEAC Annual Conference, the Outstanding Graduate Award honors graduates from DEAC-accredited institutions who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, professional excellence, perseverance, and the transformative impact of distance education. The award recognizes individuals whose educational journeys inspire others and reflect the value of accessible, career-focused learning.

Ashley Haas was selected as American National University’s Outstanding Graduate nominee in recognition of her dedication to her education, commitment to the pharmacy profession, and determination to achieve her goals through higher education.

“Ashley’s recognition by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission is a proud moment for the entire American National University community,” says university president, Dr. Frank Longaker. “Her achievement reflects the determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence that define so many of our students. We congratulate Ashley on this well-earned honor and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make in her profession.”

American National University’s Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree program prepares students for rewarding careers supporting pharmacists in retail, hospital, and other healthcare settings. Through a combination of flexible online coursework, laboratory experiences, and practical training, students develop the technical knowledge and professional skills needed to provide safe, effective patient care.

“Ashley Haas exemplifies the dedication, perseverance, and professionalism that we strive to cultivate in our students. Throughout her time in the Pharmacy Technician Program, she consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for learning,” says Pharmacy Technician program dean, Dr. Aboagye. “This recognition by DEAC is a well-deserved achievement, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate her success and the positive impact she will continue to make in the pharmacy profession.”

The DEAC Outstanding Graduate Award celebrates graduates whose accomplishments extend beyond the classroom, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their careers while serving as ambassadors for the value of accredited distance education. Award recipients are honored during DEAC’s annual conference and featured through individual recognition highlighting their educational journeys.

American National University congratulates Ashley Haas on this outstanding achievement and thanks her for representing the University with excellence, professionalism, and determination.

About American National University

Founded in 1886, American National University is committed to providing career-focused education that empowers students to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. The University offers certificate, diploma, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in high-demand fields including healthcare, business, information technology, cybersecurity, and more. Through flexible online and campus-based learning options, experienced faculty, and personalized student support, American National University helps learners balance their education with work, family, and other responsibilities. Guided by a mission to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong success, American National University continues to serve a diverse community of learners by delivering practical, workforce-relevant education designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s employers.

*Banner is a screencap of the video of Ashley Haas speaking about her award presented by DEAC. View that here.

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Ebony Bailey, a mother of five from Memphis, Tennessee, is at the beginning of her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at American National University, stepping into a field she says has felt like a lifelong calling. She shares that nursing was something she first imagined pursuing as a child, with a long-standing interest in pediatrics and pediatric oncology, though she spent years exploring other academic paths while trying to find where she truly belonged. A recent and difficult hospitalization following a personal health setback became a turning point for her, as the care and compassion she received from nurses left a lasting impression and inspired her to ask questions about the profession while still in the hospital. That experience, along with a step into medical assistant training to test the waters of healthcare, ultimately reaffirmed her decision that nursing was not just an interest, but the path she was meant to follow. Her dedication to her craft earned her the title of Term Trailblazer for Term 260!

Ebony got her start in the medical field by becoming a certified medical assistant. Earning that education inspired her to join American National University’s BSN program to fulfill the dreams she’s had since she was a young girl. “That just gave me the extra push to go ahead and do nursing,” she explains. During her tenure in the hospital is when Ebony found us for her education. “I know I have kids, so my biggest thing was finding a place that would work around my schedule. I know I need a job, and I know that I needed something that was flexible,” she recounts about her motivation to joining our program.

“And [American National University] is most definitely flexible! I love the fact that [they] have night classes, because my mornings are always tied up with my children… To be honest, that probably was my number one, top choice on why I chose [American National University].”

Despite only being in her third term of her education, Ebony has found great success in her classes. She not only utilizes her previous medical assisting and phlebotomy experience to get through her anatomy classes, but her professors are all well-versed in what they do. “The teachers are very knowledgeable,” she says, “I feel like if I can ask my teacher a question and they’re able to answer it, that’s big for me. Because a lot of schools I went to I feel like I was teaching myself. I can read a book, but I need somebody to explain it to me, not in the book way, but [their] way.”

Some of the professors that have already made an impact on Ebony are Dr. Carlos da Silva, Tina Ousley, Dr. Michelle Ginn. “I love Dr. Ginn’s classes, all of her classes are awesome!” She exclaims.

So far, in her education, she appreciates the time she has available to her. “I like the fact that I actually have time to work on my schoolwork! Most of our schoolwork opens on Sundays, that gives me time because Sunday is usually my downtime, anyway. I use my Sundays to actually get ahead,” she explains. “I really like that they put things in Canvas early so if I’m done with week three notes, I can move onto week four if I want to!”

Her future goals once included working in pediatric oncology because of advertisements she used to see growing up. However, now she hopes that within the next ten years, she can work in cancer research. “I love to research, I love to read, I love to use the microscope,” she said. This is inspired by both the loss of her mother to breast cancer, and her close friend being diagnosed with lung cancer. She also recalls making a promise to a little girl that she would “make a difference someway, somehow.”

Would she recommend the university to anyone else looking to earn their higher education? “Yes I would! Actually, I already have!”

“I just feel like [American National University] is the perfect school for any parent or adult learner who’s not really into going to a big class… I’ve never seen a school so flexible a day in my life, and I have been to a lot of schools!”

Ebony’s advice to new students at the university would be “do not wait until the last minute!” She recommends making a schedule and utilizing the classwork and assignments as soon as they are open on Canvas. “Even though you’re in nursing school, still make time for yourself! Mental health is very important. You do not want to get burnt out already while you’re in school – you aren’t even in the field yet!” Her favorite way to motivate herself is to reward herself with tacos at the end of a week when she meets all of her goals.

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The Important Role of the Medical Laboratory

Laboratory testing serves as one of the important unseen facets of modern healthcare. As said by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), Medical Laboratory professionals are “vital healthcare detectives.” Before a physician can diagnose an infection, monitor a chronic condition like diabetes, identify the cause of unexplained symptoms, or develop an effective treatment plan, they often depend on laboratory results to provide critical insights. While patients may spend only a few minutes having blood drawn or providing a sample, the testing that follows plays a significant role in guiding their care. From routine wellness screenings to complex diagnostic investigations, laboratory data helps healthcare providers make informed decisions with greater confidence and accuracy. Without the work performed in clinical laboratories, many of the diagnoses and treatments we rely on today would simply not be possible.

This is where Medical Laboratory Technologists make a meaningful impact. Working behind the scenes, MLTs analyze blood, urine, tissue, and other patient specimens using sophisticated laboratory instruments, microscopes, and testing technologies. Their role requires a combination of scientific knowledge, technical skill, and attention to detail, as even the smallest finding can provide valuable information about a patient’s health. In many ways, Medical Laboratory Technologists act as healthcare detectives, carefully examining samples for clues that may reveal infection, disease, nutritional deficiencies, or other medical conditions. By generating accurate and reliable test results, they provide physicians and healthcare teams with the information needed to better understand what is happening inside the body and determine the most appropriate path forward for patient care.

What patients cannot say, their body can, and medical lab techs help translate.

The Kind of Testing Medical Laboratory Technologists Perform

Medical Laboratory Techs perform a wide range of tests that help healthcare providers diagnose illnesses, monitor ongoing conditions, and evaluate a patient’s overall health. While many people associate laboratory work with routine blood tests, the reality is that MLTs are involved in analyzing many different types of specimens and conducting testing across several specialized areas of the laboratory. Each specialty focuses on a different aspect of human health, and together they provide a more complete picture of what may be happening inside a patient’s body. Below are a few of several that medical laboratory techs can enter into.

Hematology

When many people think of laboratory testing, hematology is often one of the first areas that comes to mind. In hematology, MLTs study blood and blood cells to help detect conditions such as anemia, clotting disorders, infections, and certain blood diseases. They often examine blood samples under microscopes and use automated analyzers to measure and evaluate various components of the blood, looking for abnormalities that may provide important clues about a patient’s health.

Hematology testing plays a critical role in diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of medical conditions. Medical Laboratory Technologists who work in this area can be found in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and diagnostic laboratories, where they help provide the accurate results healthcare providers rely on every day.

Microbiology

This is the area of the laboratory that focuses on identifying bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that can cause illness. In microbiology, MLTs analyze patient specimens, grow cultures, and perform testing to help determine what type of infection may be present. They may also assist in identifying which antibiotics or treatments are most likely to be effective against a particular microorganism.

Microbiology plays an important role in helping healthcare providers diagnose infections and develop appropriate treatment plans. Some common places where MLTs may perform microbiology testing include hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, public health laboratories, and research facilities.

Chemical Chemistry

This area focuses on analyzing blood and other body fluids to measure substances such as glucose, cholesterol, hormones, enzymes, and electrolytes. In this area of the laboratory, MLTs perform testing that helps healthcare providers evaluate how different organs and systems in the body are functioning. The results can provide valuable information about a patient’s overall health and help identify potential medical concerns.  Clinical chemistry testing is commonly used to monitor conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disorders, and heart disease.

Medical Laboratory Techs working in this department often operate advanced laboratory analyzers and computerized testing equipment to process large numbers of samples accurately and efficiently. These professionals can be found working in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and other healthcare facilities where timely and reliable test results are essential to patient care.

Immunohematology

Immunohematology, often referred to as blood banking, focuses on ensuring patients receive safe and compatible blood products when transfusions are needed. In this area of the laboratory, MLTs perform blood typing, test compatibility between donor and patient blood, and help prepare blood products for routine procedures, surgeries, and emergency situations. Their work helps ensure that patients receive the correct blood products while reducing the risk of transfusion-related complications.

Because transfusions can be lifesaving, accuracy and attention to detail are especially important in blood banking. Medical Laboratory Technologists working in this specialty play a critical role in patient safety by carefully verifying results and following strict testing procedures. MLTs in immunohematology can often be found working in hospitals, blood banks, transfusion services, and other healthcare facilities that provide blood products to patients in need.

A Typical Day for MLTs

A typical day for a Medical Laboratory Techs is structured, fast-moving, and full of important details that directly support patient care. While no two shifts are exactly the same, and each of the aforementioned areas of work can have varying responsibilities, most MLTs follow a workflow that balances preparation, testing, analysis, and quality control.

A typical day can, but is not limited to, include, according to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Getting the lab ready for testing
  The day often starts with setting up the laboratory for incoming specimens. This includes checking that instruments are functioning properly, running quality control tests, and making sure everything is calibrated and ready to produce accurate results.
• Processing incoming patient samples
  Throughout the day, MLTs receive a steady flow of samples such as blood, urine, and other body fluids. Each specimen must be carefully labeled, sorted, and prepared before testing.
• Running diagnostic tests
  Once prepared, samples are analyzed using automated laboratory equipment or manual testing methods depending on the department. This could include loading samples into chemistry analyzers, examining blood under a microscope, or setting up cultures in microbiology.
• Reviewing and verifying results
  After testing, MLTs carefully review the data to ensure accuracy. If something looks unusual or inconsistent, they may repeat the test or troubleshoot equipment to confirm the findings before results are released to healthcare providers.
• Troubleshooting equipment and resolving issues
  Laboratory instruments are highly advanced but still require monitoring. If an analyzer flags an error or produces unexpected results, MLTs step in to identify the issue and correct it so testing can continue without delays.
• Maintaining quality and safety standards
  Throughout the shift, MLTs follow strict protocols to maintain a safe and controlled environment. This includes documenting procedures, cleaning work areas, managing supplies, and ensuring compliance with laboratory regulations.
• Communicating critical results
  When urgent or abnormal results come through, MLTs may need to quickly communicate findings to healthcare providers. In some cases, these results can directly impact immediate patient treatment decisions.

Places an MLT Can Work

• Hospitals
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Physician offices
• Public health laboratories
• Research facilities
• Specialty clinics
• Blood donation centers

Check out this infographic from Laboratory Science Careers to see all of the different careers that can come from becoming a Medical laboratory technologist.

A Career That Helps Healthcare Move Forward

Medical Laboratory Technologists may work behind the scenes, but their role in healthcare is essential to every stage of patient care. Each day, laboratory professionals provide the accurate and timely test results that healthcare teams depend on to diagnose illness, monitor chronic conditions, guide treatment decisions, and improve overall patient outcomes. While patients may never see the work being done in the laboratory, the information generated there often plays a defining role in the care they receive. From routine screenings to urgent diagnostic testing, MLTs help ensure that providers have the answers they need when they need them most.

For students interested in combining science, technology, and healthcare into one meaningful career path, Medical Laboratory Technology offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact—one test, one sample, and one patient at a time. Through the Medical Laboratory Technology associate degree program at American National University, students can build the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to enter this in-demand field. The program is designed to prepare learners for real-world laboratory environments by introducing core testing areas, laboratory procedures, and quality standards that reflect current healthcare practices. Graduates are equipped to step into roles where precision, critical thinking, and attention to detail are essential—supporting healthcare teams and contributing directly to patient care through diagnostic science. If you’re ready to look for a future in this career field, visit American National University’s website: https://an.edu/programs/associates/medical-laboratory-technology-associates/

American National University – Be live, in class, from anywhere.

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After graduating high school in 2003, Robert Fiedler took a different path than many traditional college students. Rather than immediately pursuing higher education, he built a successful career in website design and development before discovering a passion that would ultimately shape the next chapter of his life: constitutional law. What began as a personal interest evolved into nearly a decade of work in legal research and analysis, including roles with legal and political think tanks. As he looked toward advancing his career and pursuing new opportunities within the legal field, he realized he needed the academic credentials to match his experience. At 40 years old, Robert enrolled in American National University’s Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies program to turn his passion into a profession. His dedication to his studies and career goals earned him recognition as a Term Trailblazer for Term 258.

When searching for a school, American National University stood out for a very specific reason:

“I was looking for a school where I could take what had been, for me, really sort of a personal hobby and a personal passion and get an academic background behind that as well,” he explained.

The university’s ABA-approval was a major factor in his decision. “What I love about [American National University] is because you guys do the online program, and you have the ABA [approval] which is totally awesome, and I love.”

Although he entered the program with years of professional experience, Robert found that the university exceeded his expectations. “I have been just so impressed with the quality of the teachers that I have had here,” he shared. He credits much of his success to the support he has received from faculty members, particularly Professor Sheri Clark and Dean Wendy Notz. “Professor Sheri Clark has been so amazing and so supportive of me. It’s great because I know that she shares my interest and my passion in constitutional law, and it’s been so great to have her,” he said. “Dean Wendy Notz has been very supportive of me as far as not only my education here, but encouraging me to continue my education elsewhere, encouraging me to maybe go on to get another degree, maybe go to law school. So they’ve both been just absolutely fantastic.”

One aspect of the online learning experience that surprised him was how connected it felt. Through faculty encouragement, students formed class discussion groups outside of the classroom environment, helping create meaningful connections with their peers. “I’m always surprised how much I am sort of meeting and becoming friends with classmates who are working in the medical field, or they’re working in finance, or they’re working in business,” he said. “It’s really amazing how varied the backgrounds of the students here are.” These connections were built because of Dean Notz encouragement for the Paralegal students to create chat groups to connect. “And that has been really amazing for me as well, because that’s really a way for me to connect with the other students in my class on a one-on-one basis, almost in the way you would in a real-world face-to-face class.”

Robert has already seen the impact of his education on his professional work. Courses in legal research and writing have strengthened his understanding of Bluebook citation, APA formatting, and the academic rigor required in the legal profession. “I think the big thing is academic rigor,” he began. “In my work in the past, I have tried to be very inclusive of blue book citations, but I never really had a formal education in how to do that. First, through legal research and writing, which I took with Dean Notz, which gave a very, very comprehensive understanding of how to do Blue Book citations, but also through formatting and including that has been really important for me.

“It’s really improved the professional tenor of my work when I put it out now.”

His ultimate goal is to work for a public-interest law firm focused on constitutional rights, such as the Institute for Justice. After previously being turned down for opportunities because he lacked formal academic credentials, he believes his education at American National University is helping position him for the future he envisions. “I’m really hoping that by getting this degree, by getting the ABA [approval], and other things too, like the LexisNexis certification, it’s really going to set me up for that next step that I really want to take.”

Would he recommend American National University to others? Absolutely. “The price is so exceptionally reasonable,” he said. “The remote learning program you have for the paralegal program is just fantastic for anyone who wants to get into legal studies in general.” He also emphasized the importance of the program’s ABA approval, noting, “That means so, so, so much in this field.” When asked to summarize his experience at the university, Robert didn’t hesitate. “It’s been fantastic,” he said. “I can’t say enough great things about the professors. They have absolutely been amazing.”

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At American National University, we know our students aren’t typical 18-year-olds living on campus. They’re parents. Military service members. Healthcare professionals. Office workers. Retail associates. First responders. Caregivers. Career changers.

Many are balancing full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and busy schedules while working toward a better future.

That’s why we’ve built our learning experience around the realities of adult life.

What You Can Expect from ANU

We respect your time.

We understand that every hour matters. Our programs are designed to help working adults make meaningful progress toward their educational goals while balancing work, family, and personal commitments.

We offer flexibility without sacrificing quality.

Online learning should provide convenience while still delivering meaningful interaction with instructors and classmates. Many of our programs combine flexible online coursework with live instruction and support to help you stay engaged throughout your education.

We meet you where you are.

Whether you’re returning to school after five years or twenty, we understand that adult learners bring unique experiences and challenges. Our admissions representatives and academic advisors are here to help you navigate the process from your first questions through graduation.

We understand that life happens.

Unexpected work schedules, family emergencies, illnesses, and other life events can occur. When challenges arise, we encourage students to communicate with their instructors and advisors as early as possible so we can help identify available options and keep them moving toward their goals whenever possible.

We support your career goals.

Your education should prepare you for what’s next. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field or begin an entirely new career, our programs are designed to help you develop practical knowledge and skills that can support your professional goals.

Built Around Real Life

Our students include people who:

• Work full time while earning a degree.
• Study after their children go to bed.
• Balance rotating or overnight work schedules.
• Are changing careers later in life.
• Are the first in their family to attend college.
• Need an education that fits around real-world responsibilities.

If any of those sound like you, you’re in good company.

What We Ask From You

Your success is a partnership.

We’ll provide the education, guidance, and support to help you reach your goals. In return, we ask that you:

• Stay engaged with your coursework.
• Communicate when challenges arise.
• Reach out when you need help.
• Remain committed to your educational goals.

The students who succeed aren’t necessarily the ones with the most free time, they’re the ones who stay connected and keep moving forward.

Your Future Doesn’t Have to Wait

There may never be a perfect time to go back to school.

But there can be a university that understands your life.

If you’re ready to pursue your education while continuing to work, care for your family, and manage life’s responsibilities, American National University is ready to support you every step of the way.

Because your education should fit your life—not the other way around.

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