A hitchhikers' guide to the terminology of accreditation processes for health professionals and institutions.

Accreditation processes for health care professions are designed to ensure that individuals and programs in these fields meet established standards of quality and effectiveness. The accelerating pace of globalization in the health care professions has increased the need for a shared understanding of the vocabulary of evaluation, assessment, and accreditation. The psychometric principles of valid and reliable assessment are commonly accepted, but the terminology is confusing.

The Fourth Year of Medical School: Time for Reassessment: AOA Critical Issues.

Most U.S. medical schools follow the 4-year model, consisting of 2 preclinical years, core clinical experience, and a fourth year intended to permit students to increase clinical competency, to explore specialty areas, and to transition to residency.