Regulatory Overview
The Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) regulates private postsecondary institutions operating in California. BPPE approval is not accreditation; it is a state authorization to operate. Allied health programs commonly exceed the exemption threshold and therefore require approval. In addition, several programs have program‑specific oversight or certification pathways.
Institutional Approval (BPPE)
- Application for Approval to Operate (non‑accredited, unless otherwise applicable)
- School catalog, enrollment agreement, policies, and disclosures
- Instructor qualifications and staffing plan
- Facilities, equipment, safety, and floor plans
- Financial statements and ownership/management disclosures
Program‑Level Oversight (Selected Examples)
- CNA / HHA: California Department of Public Health (ATCS)
- Phlebotomy: CDPH Laboratory Field Services (LFS)
- Other programs: May pursue programmatic accreditation (e.g., ABHES, CAAHEP, CoARC, JRCERT) and/or meet state board requirements.
Common Allied Health Programs
| Program | Typical Oversight / Notes |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (MA) | BPPE institutional approval; externship partnerships expected; many employers value national certification. |
| Phlebotomy Technician | BPPE approval; state certification via CDPH LFS; clinical site agreements required. |
| EKG Technician | BPPE approval; lab equipment and supervised practice hours recommended. |
| Patient Care Technician (PCT) | BPPE approval; often combines CNA + Phlebotomy + EKG skillsets; clinical/externship highly recommended. |
| Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) | BPPE (institution) plus CDPH ATCS program approval; theory + clinical hour requirements; clinical site contracts required. |
| Other (e.g., Sonography, Surgical Tech, Respiratory Care, Radiography) | BPPE approval; often programmatic accreditation (CAAHEP, CoARC, JRCERT) and additional state requirements. |
Roadmap: From Concept to Approval
- Define your programs: Objectives, admissions standards, delivery (residential / hybrid / online), and outcomes.
- Develop curriculum: Course outlines with theory/lab/clinical; textbooks and learning resources; assessment plan.
- Secure partners: Clinical/externship affiliation agreements; equipment vendors; LMS support if offering online components.
- Prepare exhibits: Catalog, enrollment agreement, syllabi, faculty files, facilities documentation, financials.
- Submit via the BPPE portal: Track your application number; respond promptly to requests for information.
- Address deficiencies: Revise catalog/policies, strengthen curriculum, finalize site agreements, and update financials as needed.
- Finalize approvals: Quality‑of‑Education review as applicable; program‑level board approvals (e.g., CDPH ATCS, LFS) where required.
Timelines & Planning
BPPE Approval (Institution)
Plan for several months from submission to approval, including deficiency cycles and any quality‑of‑education review. Many schools budget 9–12 months end‑to‑end.
Program‑Specific Approvals
Allow additional time for CNA/Phlebotomy and similar programs (board reviews, site readiness, and clinical site agreements). Start those tracks early in parallel.
What We Handle for You
Application & Exhibits
Catalogs, enrollment agreements, policies, faculty files, facilities, and financial exhibits aligned to BPPE standards.
Curriculum & Clinicals
Clear syllabi with theory/lab/clinical splits, skills checklists, externship agreements, and LMS alignment for hybrid delivery.
Review & Response
Deficiency letter management, quality‑of‑education feedback, and readiness for program‑level board reviews.