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Statement of Accreditation Status

Ponce Health Sciences University

  • CEO: Dr. Gino Natallicchio, President
  • Accreditation Liaison Officer: Dr. Donna Viens
  • Commission Staff Liaison: Terence Peavy, Vice President
  • Carnegie Classification: Special Focus Four-Year: Medical Schools & Centers » Exclusively graduate/professional
  • Control: Private (For-Profit)
  • Former Name(s): Ponce School of Medicine (7/1/2010), Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences (12/15/2014)
  • Phase: Accredited
  • Status: Accreditation Reaffirmed
  • Candidacy Granted: 1999
  • Accreditation Granted: June 25, 2003
  • Last Reaffirmation: 2018
  • Next Self-Study Evaluation: 2026-2027

Contact Information

P. O. Box 7004 Dr. Ana Dolores Perez Marchand Street
Ponce, PR 00732

(787) 840-2575

www.psm.edu

  • November 25, 2024
    To acknowledge receipt of the institution's decision to postpone the opening of the additional location at 4th Floor, Water's Edge Building, Meridian Plaza, P.O. Box 4519, Road Town, Tortola VG 1110, British Virgin Islands. To rescind the substantive change action for the establishment of an additional location taken on October 26, 2023. The action to rescind a substantive change request is not an adverse action, therefore, it is not subject to appeal.
  • April 29, 2024
    To acknowledge receipt of documentation of approval from the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine for the additional location at Water's Edge Building, Meridian Plaza, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 4519, Road Town, Tortola VG 1110, British Virgin Islands. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • March 28, 2024
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report requested by the Commission action of November 6, 2023, providing information on key data indicators (enrollment – FTE), as reported on the 2023 Annual Institutional Update (AIU) in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.19(d). To note that Recommendation Responses in conjunction with the AIU are no longer required.
  • March 28, 2024
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report requested by the Commission action of November 6, 2023, providing information on key data indicators (enrollment by educational program), as reported on the 2023 Annual Institutional Update (AIU) in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.19(d). The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • January 4, 2024
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To note the institution's decision to close the additional location at 1213 Acacia Street, Urb. Villa Flores, Ponce, PR 00731 that ceased operations effective October 13, 2023. To remove the additional location from the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that the Commission reserves the right to rescind this action if any developments reveal additional information that might have affected the Commission's decision. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • January 4, 2024
    To acknowledge receipt of the teach-out plan. To approve the teach-out plan for the closure of the additional location at 1213 Acacia Street, Urb. Villa Flores, Ponce, PR 00731. To note that the institution has conducted and completed its own teach-out by October 13, 2023, at the additional location and that teach-out agreements are not required. To note that the additional location was closed October 13, 2023. To note that students may obtain academic records at 388 Zona Industrial Reparada 2, Ponce, PR 00716.
  • November 6, 2023
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to request a supplemental information report due December 8, 2023, providing information on enrollment by educational program in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.19 (d) (Accreditation Review Cycle and Monitoring Policy and Procedures). The next evaluation date is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • November 6, 2023
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to request a supplemental information report, due December 13, 2023, providing information on key data indicators (enrollment – FTE) as reported on the 2023 Annual Institutional Update in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.19 (d). The next evaluation date is scheduled for 2026-2027. 
  • October 26, 2023
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the additional location at 4th Floor, Water's Edge Building, Meridian Plaza, P.O. Box 4519, Road Town, Tortola VG 1110, British Virgin Islands within the institution's scope of accreditation. To require immediate notification when instruction commences at the additional location by reporting the open date in the institutional portal. To direct a substantive change site visit as soon as practicable but no later than six months after the commencement of instruction at the additional location. To require written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary, including the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine, British Virgin Island Ministry of Health and British Virgin Island Ministry of Education. To require the submission of the updated Eligibility and Certification Approval Report (ECAR) reflecting the substantive change as soon as it is available by email to [email protected]. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if instruction does not commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • September 8, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of documentation of approval from the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education for the relocation of the branch campus at 2351 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103.
  • June 22, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the relocation of the branch campus at 710 North Tucker Street, St, Louis, MO 63101 to 2351 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 within the institution's scope of accreditation. To require immediate notification when instruction commences at the new address and of the date that instruction ceases at the former address. To direct a substantive change site visit as soon as practicable but no later than six months after the commencement of instruction at the branch campus. To require written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary, including the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education. To note the Commission may rescind this action if instruction does not commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • October 29, 2020
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the change from semesters to trimesters in the Master of Science in Medical Science program within the institution's scope of accreditation. To require written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • August 27, 2020
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the alternative delivery method-distance education within the institution's scope of accreditation. To require written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary, including the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • April 16, 2020
    To acknowledge receipt of formal written notice from the institution in response to the Commission's request of March 9, 2020. To temporarily waive Substantive Change Policy and Procedures and allow the use of distance education to accommodate students impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions, in accordance with United States Department of Education (USDE) guidelines published March 5, 2020. Continued use of distance education beyond the limitations of USDE guidelines will require substantive change approval in accordance with Substantive Change Policy and Procedures. This flexibility is not available for clock-hour courses that lead to licensure if the licensing body will not accept distance learning courses or hours or give credit for them toward the number of hours a student must complete. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • March 5, 2020
    To note the substantive change site visit occurred on October 20-21, 2019, to the additional location at Ponce Health Sciences University – East, 1213 Acacia Street Urb Villa Flores, Ponce, PR 00732, and the information provided in the substantive change request was verified. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • July 2, 2019
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the additional location at PHSU East Building, 1213 Acacia Street, Ponce, PR 00731 within the institution's scope of accreditation. To direct a substantive change site visit as soon as practicable but no later than six months after the commencement of instruction at the additional location. To require immediate notification when instruction commences at the additional location. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if instruction does not commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • November 15, 2018
    To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. To note that a follow-up visit will not be conducted. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • November 15, 2018
    To acknowledge receipt of the self-study report. To note the visit by the Commission's representatives. To reaffirm accreditation. To request that, beginning in 2019 and in conjunction with each Annual Institutional Update prior to the Mid-Point Peer Review in 2023, the institution provide further evidence of the consideration and use of assessment results for the improvement of the of the educational effectiveness (Standard V). The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • November 15, 2018
    To note the visit by the Commission's representative. To affirm inclusion of the branch campus at Globe Building, 710 N. Tucker Blvd. Suite 200, St. Louis MO 63101 within the scope of the institution's accreditation. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • November 15, 2018
    To note the visit of the Commission's representatives. To affirm inclusion of the additional location at PHSU San Juan University Center, Calle Rosales Esq. San Antonio, Pda. 26 1/2, Santurce, PR 00914 within the scope of the institution's accreditation.
  • July 2, 2018
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include provisionally the branch campus at Globe Building, 710 North Tucker Street, St. Louis, MO 63101 within the scope of the institution's accreditation pending a site visit within six months of the commencement of the operations. The Commission requires written notification within thirty days of the commencement of operations at this branch campus. Operations at the branch campus must commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. To remind the institution of the Commission's request of March 15, 2018 for a supplemental information report due August 1, 2018. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2017-2018.
  • March 15, 2018
    To accept the supplemental information report. To request a supplemental information report, due August 1, 2018, regarding the status of the institution. A small team visit may follow submission of the report. To note that the institution has been granted a one-year delay in its self-study evaluation visit. The self-study visit is now scheduled for 2018-2019. To remind the institution that upon the reaffirmation of accreditation, the institution will return to its regular 8-year accreditation cycle with an evaluation visit in 2026-2027.
  • November 9, 2017
    To acknowledge receipt of documentation of approval to operate from Puerto Rico Council on Education and to include the additional location at PHSU San Juan University Center, Calle Rosales Esq. San Antonio, Pda. 26 1/2, Santurce, PR 00914 pending a site visit within six months of the commencement of operations at this location within the scope of the institution's accreditation.
  • October 19, 2017
    To request a supplemental information report due December 1, 2017, regarding the status of the institution.
  • August 28, 2017
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include provisionally the additional location at the PHSU San Juan University Center, Calle Rosales Esq. San Antonio, Pda. 26 1/2, Santurce, PR 00914 within the scope of the institution's accreditation pending a site visit within six months of the commencement of operations at this location and effective upon receipt of state approval. The Commission requires written notification within thirty days of the commencement of operations at this location. Operations must commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2017-2018.
  • October 25, 2016
    To acknowledge receipt of documentation of approval from the Puerto Rico Counsel on Higher Education and to include the first Bachelor's degree program (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) within the scope of the institution's accreditation.
  • August 29, 2016
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the first Bachelor's degree program (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) within the scope of the institution's accreditation, effective upon receipt of state approval. To remind the institution of the Commission's request of June 25, 2015 regarding the self-study in preparation for the 2017-2018 evaluation visit.
  • June 25, 2015
    To accept the monitoring report and to note the visit by the Commission's representatives. To include the change of control within the scope of the institution's accreditation, and to request that the self-study report in preparation for the evaluation visit in 2017-2018, document (1) progress in continuing to achieve financial stability and growth (Standard 3), and (2) steps taken to strengthen the role of the governing body in carrying out its defined responsibilities (Standard 4).
  • May 15, 2014
    To note that an extension has been granted for the submission of the monitoring report documenting progress to date on the strengthening of financial resources (Standard 3) and on the implementation of a governing body which includes members with sufficient expertise to assure that the fiduciary responsibilities of a health sciences university can be fulfilled (Standard 4). The monitoring report is now due October 1, 2014. To remind the institution that a site visit will be conducted within six months of the effective date of the change of control. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2017-2018.
  • November 21, 2013
    To acknowledge receipt of the complex substantive change request and to include provisionally the change of control within the scope of the institution's accreditation, pending a site visit within six months of the effective date of the change of control. To request a monitoring report, due August 1, 2014, documenting progress to date on the strengthening of financial resources (Standard 3) and on the implementation of a governing body which includes members with sufficient expertise to assure that the fiduciary responsibilities of a health sciences university can be fulfilled (Standard 4). The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2017-2018.
  • November 21, 2013
    To accept the Periodic Review Report and to reaffirm accreditation. To note that the complex substantive change request has been received and will be acted on by the Commission at its November meeting. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2017-2018.
  • June 28, 2012
    To accept the monitoring report. The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2013.
  • March 1, 2012
    To accept the monitoring report and the Commission requested information report. To request a monitoring report, due April 1, 2012, documenting (1) audited financial statements and management letter for FY2011 and progress to date on strengthening financial resources (Standard 3); (2) assessment of student advising and service programs, with recommendations for improvements and evidence of action based on recommendations (Standard 9); and (3) evidence of faculty productivity in the scholarship of teaching as well as in discipline-specific research and scholarship and in the creation of knowledge, consistent with the institution's mission (Standard 10). The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2013.
  • November 18, 2010
    To accept the monitoring report. To request a monitoring report due November 1, 2011, documenting (1) further progress in strengthening finances and educational resources (Standard 3); (2) audited financial statements and management letter for FY 2010 and FY 2011 (Standard 3); and (3) updated cash and financial projections for the next 5 years, including analysis of both revenues and expenditures with documented assumptions (Standard 3). The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2013.
  • Distance Education
    Approved to offer programs by this delivery method
  • Correspondence Education
    Not approved for this delivery method

Approved Credential Levels

The following represents credential levels included in the scope of the institution’s accreditation:

  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope to offer ONE program: Bachelor of Science in Nursng
  • Master's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
  • Post-Master's Certificate Included within the scope
  • Doctor's Degree - Professional Practice Included within the scope
  • Doctor's Degree- Research/Scholarship Included within the scope
  • Main Campus
    Ponce Health Sciences University
    P. O. Box 7004 Dr. Ana Dolores Perez Marchand Street
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Branch Campus
    Ponce School of Medicine at Missouri
    2351 Market Street
    St. Louis, MO 63103
    Opened: 08/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    PHSU San Juan University Center
    Calle Rosales Esq. San Antonio Pda. 26 1/2
    Santurce, PR 00914
    Opened: 01/10/2018
  • Other Instructional Site
    Ashford Presbyterian Community Hospital
    Avenida Ashford #1451
    Condado, PR 00902
  • Other Instructional Site
    ASSMCA
    Avenida Barbosa #414
    Hato Rey, PR 00928-1414
  • Other Instructional Site
    Canas Medical Center
    Carr 132 Km 22.1 Bo Canas
    Ponce, PR 00728
  • Other Instructional Site
    Castaner
    Carr 135 KM 4.5
    Adjuntas, PR 00601
  • Other Instructional Site
    Centro de Ayuda Psicologica y Servicios Integrales (CAPSI)
    Ponce
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    Centro Psicologico del Sur Este
    Ave Font Martelo #43
    Humacao, PR 00791
  • Other Instructional Site
    Centros de Ayuda Victimas de Violacion (CAVV)
    Unidad de Salud Publica, Piso 1, Calle Pilar Defillo 112
    Mayaguez, PR 00680
  • Other Instructional Site
    Centros de Servicios Comunitarios Vida Plena, Inc.
    200 Ave. Cupey Gardens Plaza Cupey Gardens Suite 6W
    San Juan, PR 00926
  • Other Instructional Site
    Cll Sagrado Corazon De Jesus
    PO Box 12383
    San Juan, PR 00914
  • Other Instructional Site
    Counseling Center of the University of PR
    Ave. Santiago de los Caballeros 2155
    Ponce, PR 00719
  • Other Instructional Site
    Damas Hospital
    Ponce
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    Dr. Jose Javier Laguer/Grupo de Servicios de Salud Mental
    Paseo Villa Flores 1665
    Ponce, PR 00716
  • Other Instructional Site
    El Sendero de la Cruz
    Urb Floral Park c/Alhambra 63
    Hato Rey, PR 00918
  • Other Instructional Site
    Grupo Medico Castaner Yauco
    13 Mattei Lluberas
    Yauco, PR 00698
  • Other Instructional Site
    Head Start & Early Head Start Municipio de Ponce
    Las Americas Comercial Park Calle Villa Ramal 500
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    Health Assessment and Psychological Innovations GoGo Pediatric Institute
    Industrial Reparada Calle Monterey 291
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    HIMA Bayamon
    Calle Santa Cruz 70 Urb Santa Cruz
    Bayamon, PR 00956
  • Other Instructional Site
    Hogar Albergue de Ninos de San Germán, Inc. Portal de Amor
    Calle Gamboa #4
    San German, PR 00683
  • Other Instructional Site
    Hospicio La Guadalupe
    Anexo Hospital Oncologico Carr #14
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    Hospital Episcopal San Lucas
    Ponce
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    Hospital Espanol Auxilio Mutuo
    San Juan
    San Juan, PR 00926
  • Other Instructional Site
    Hospital Metropolitano Dr. Pila
    Carr 128 Km 1.0
    Ponce, PR 00698-0068
  • Other Instructional Site
    Hospital Metropolitano Yauco
    Yauco
    Yauco, PR 00698
  • Other Instructional Site
    Hospital Panamericano Cidra
    Cidra
    Cidra, PR 00739
  • Other Instructional Site
    Hospital San Cristobal
    Ponce
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    Instituto Medicina de Familia del Sur
    Marginal Ave Fagot 1484
    Ponce, PR 00716
  • Other Instructional Site
    Instituto Sexologico Educativo y Psicologico
    Ave Sanchez Osorio 5H -4 Villa Contana Park
    Carolina, PR 00982
  • Other Instructional Site
    InterCede (API)
    Acad. Ponce Inter API 2ndo nivel Turpeaux Industrial Park 104
    Mercedita, PR 00715
  • Other Instructional Site
    La Concepcion Hospital
    San German
    San German, PR 00683
  • Other Instructional Site
    Love Lines de PR, Inc.
    Carr #505 Km. 12 Entrada Barrio La Yuca
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    Mayaguez Medical Center
    410 Avenida Hostos, Carr. #2, Km. 157
    Mayaguez, PR 00681
  • Other Instructional Site
    Med Centro
    Ponce
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    National University College
    Anexo Industrias Vassallo Ince Carr 506 Int Carr 52
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    National University College
    Anexo Industrias Vassallo Ince Carr 506 Int Carr 52
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    PHSU Ambulatory
    Calle Marchand 388
    Ponce, PR 00716
  • Other Instructional Site
    Private Offices
    Ponce
    Ponce, PR 00716
  • Other Instructional Site
    Programa de Re-educacion y Orientacion a Personas Agresoras (PROPA)
    Ponce
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    Psychiatric Adolescent Unit ASSMCA
    Bayamon
    Bayamon, PR 00956
  • Other Instructional Site
    Restaurando Portillo
    Urb Valle Verde c/Sendero Principal
    Ponce, PR 00716
  • Other Instructional Site
    San Jorge Childrens Hospital
    258 Calle San Jorge
    San Juan, PR 00912
  • Other Instructional Site
    Servicios Psicologicos Raigambre
    HC 645 Box 6387
    Trujillo Alto, PR 00976
  • Other Instructional Site
    Universidad Interamericana de Guayama
    Bo Machete Carr 744 Km 12
    Guayama, PR 00784
  • Other Instructional Site
    UPR Ponce
    Ave Santiago de los Caballeros 2155
    Ponce, PR 00719
  • Other Instructional Site
    VA San Juan
    Calle Casia 10
    San Juan, PR 00921
  • Other Instructional Site
    Wellnes Center
    Ponce
    Ponce, PR 00732
  • Other Instructional Site
    Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
    374 Stockham St
    Brooklyn, NY 11237

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