Accreditation

For the most current information on Mercer’s accrediting bodies, please refer to the catalogs or online at oie.mercer.edu/accreditations/.

Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education

COAMFTE Accreditation

The Masters in Family Therapy (M.F.T.) program at Mercer University School of Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), which is the national accrediting body for the MFT field and is under the oversight of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Inquiries may be referred to 112 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, 703-838-9808, coa@aamft.org.

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education’s mission is to promote best practices for Marriage and Family Therapy educational programs through the establishment, review and revision of accreditation standards and policies, and the accreditation of graduate and post-graduate educational programs.

Is COAMFTE accreditation required of all MFT programs?

No. Program accreditation is a voluntary process but there are many benefits to both the program and its students if the program is accredited. Some benefits include graduates meeting licensure requirements with more ease, eligibility to be hired by such employers as the Veterans Administration and accreditation providing the structure for continuous self-evaluation, peer review, and quality improvement for programs.

Why is accreditation important?

Accreditation is a useful indicator to determine whether the program offers quality education that meets the current requirements for professional practice. Since COAMFTE was developed and continues to be maintained by the AAMFT, programs accredited under it are regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure they meet established professional standards.

Are there benefits of COAMFTE accreditation for MFT students?

Students who enroll in a COAMFTE-accredited program experience greater ease in obtaining access to licensure across state lines and recognition that their degree meets the standards of professional practice in MFT. Here are some additional benefits of attending a COAMFTE-accredited program:

  • Quality Education. COAMFTE-accredited programs meet or exceed standards established by the MFT profession and faculty are likely contributors to the existing knowledge and research regarding marriage and family therapy.
  • Exam Preparation. Selecting a COAMFTE-accredited program will assure students that they will be prepared for the national and/or state examination in marriage and family therapy and for licensure.
  • License Portability. Graduates of a COAMFTE-accredited program experience increased portability across state lines in terms of licensure. Most states specify in their licensure laws that in order to meet their educational requirements, the individual must have graduated from a COAMFTE-accredited program or “equivalent.” The process of demonstrating “equivalency” for a non-COAMFTE program can sometimes be difficult and require additional coursework.
  • Employment Opportunities. Employers are assured that graduates of a COAMFTE-accredited program are competent for entry into the workplace or for advanced practice. In fact, some employers require it, such as the Veterans Administration.