Accreditation at Iowa Lakes
Ensuring Excellence: Education You Can Trust
Accreditation is a mark of quality, ensuring that higher education institutions meet established standards and provide valuable learning opportunities.
At Iowa Lakes Community College, our accreditation status reflects a rigorous external review through self-study and peer evaluation. This process occurs periodically to reaffirm accreditation, assess institutional effectiveness, and support continuous improvement. It also fosters collaboration across campus and guides future planning efforts.
Iowa Lakes maintains accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), follows standards set by the Iowa Department of Education, and upholds quality through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). These accreditations ensure our programs meet high academic and operational standards, providing students with a trusted education.
Our Accrediting Bodies: Commitment to Quality and Standards
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) uses five criteria to evaluate how well Iowa Lakes Community College is performing—Mission; Integrity; Teaching and Learning: Quality, Resources, and Support; Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement; and Institutional Effectiveness, Resources, and Planning. To achieve continued accreditation, Iowa Lakes Community College must adhere to the criteria for accreditation set by the Higher Learning Commission.
Iowa Lakes Community College is accredited by the Iowa Department of Education, with state accreditation cycles aligned to coordinate with Higher Learning Commission (HLC) evaluations.
The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) ensures that college courses taught by high school instructors maintain the same level of rigor as those offered on college campuses. As the only national accrediting body for concurrent enrollment partnerships, NACEP upholds the highest standards, providing students with a seamless transition to college while supporting teachers with meaningful, ongoing professional development. This commitment ensures that all high school students are prepared for, have access to, and succeed in quality college courses. Learn more at NACEP.
The Planning & Development Office oversees activities related to institutional accreditation, ensuring Iowa Lakes Community College maintains compliance with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Iowa Department of Education standards.
Associate Degree Nursing
The Iowa Board of Nursing accredits the Associate Degree Nursing program.
Iowa Board of Nursing
400 SW 8th St Suite B Suite B, Des Moines, IA 50309
Learn more at https://nursing.iowa.gov/
Phone: 515-281-3255
Fax: 515-281-4825
Aviation and Airport Management
The Federal Aviation Administration accredits the Aviation and Airport Management program. Learn more at https://www.faa.gov
Barbering & Cosmetology
The Barbering & Cosmetology AAS Degree Program, Emmetsburg Campus, is accredited by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing: Barbering & Cosmetology Licensure.
Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Science
DIAL Licensing Division
6200 Park Avenue
Suite 100
Des Moines, Iowa 50321
Email: PLPublic@idph.iowa.gov
Phone: 515-281-0254
Bureau Website: www.dial.iowa.gov/licenses/barbering-cosmetology/licensure
Online Licensure Services: www.dial.iowa.gov/licenses/barbering-cosmetology/licensure
Electrical Technology
The Electrical Technology program is accredited by the Iowa State Electrical Board and the US Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship.
Massage Therapy
The Massage Therapy program is accredited by the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy and the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
1333 Burr Ridge Pkwy STE 200, Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone: 630-627-8000
Learn more at https://www.ncbtmb.org/
Practical Nursing
The Iowa Board of Nursing accredits the Practical Nursing program.
Iowa Board of Nursing
400 SW 8th St Suite B Suite B, Des Moines, IA 50309
Learn more at https://nursing.iowa.gov/
Phone: 515-281-3255
Fax: 515-281-4825
Surgical Technology
The Surgical Technology Diploma and AAS Degree Programs, Spencer Campus, are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee on Education Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. (ARCSTSA)
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Learn more at www.caahep.org
9355 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727-210-2350
Accreditation Review Committee on Education in Surgical Technology & Surgical Assisting (ARCSTSA)
19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite #339
Parker, CO 80138
Phone: 303-694-9262
Veterinary Technician
The CVTEA accredits the Veterinary Technician program - AVMA (Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and American Veterinary Medical Association.
American Veterinary Medical Association
Learn more at https://www.avma.org/
1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
Phone: 800-248-2862
Fax: 847-925-1329
Questions? Let's Talk
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Madison Nitch Associate Director of Special Projects 712-362-0421 ext 4421 | mnitch@iowalakes.edu Administrative Campus |
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Laura Haburn Director of Planning & Development 712-362-0418 Ext: 4418 | lhaburn@iowalakes.edu Administration Campus |
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Jennie Knudson Institutional Researcher 712-362-0448 Ext: 4448 | jknudson@iowalakes.edu Administration Campus |
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Robert A. Leifeld Vice President of Administration 712-362-0439 Ext: 4439 | rleifeld@iowalakes.edu Administration Campus |
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Deloris Young VP of Administration Office Coordinator 712-362-0420 Ext: 4420 | dyoung@iowalakes.edu Administration Campus |
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Erin Dirks Grant Writer 712-580-8624 | edirks@iowalakes.edu Administration Campus |
