Grifols Academy of Plasmapheresis Awarded ACCET Accreditation

January 21, 2015 (Glendale, AZ) – Grifols, a global leader in the production of plasma-derived medicines, is pleased to announce that its Academy of Plasmapheresis has been awarded accreditation by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). 

Grifols established the Academy of Plasmapheresis (Academy) in 2009 to serve as a platform for learning, development and training of its employees.  ACCET is recognized by the United States Department of Education and is certified as an ISO 9001 Quality Management System by the International Organization for Standardization, as a reliable authority on quality continuing education or training programs. 

"The Grifols Academy sought the external validation and quality assurance that are integral to ACCET accreditation. The Academy voluntarily accepted the challenge to meet ACCET's standards and the end result was highly successful. ACCET welcomes the Academy to its membership and commends its performance," said Dr. William Larkin, Executive Director of ACCET.

Grifols is currently the only plasma industry member that holds this highly-sought-after distinction.  This new status will allow Grifols to grant continuing education units (CEU) to participants in the Academy's career development and training programs. These CEUs may be used by Grifols employees to meet the requirements of their specialized professional licenses and certifications.

Since the Academy's inauguration more than 4,000 participants have benefited from training opportunities at one of its campuses in Glendale, AZ and Indianapolis, IN, or at one of the Grifols satellite sites across the country.  Additionally, over 5,000 participants have utilized on-line self-study classes.  The Academy joins more than 270 other ACCET accredited academic institutions and organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and International Organization for Standardization for offering reliable and quality continuing education or training programs.

Beth Eacret, Director of the Academy of Plasmapheresis, shared her excitement stating, "Receiving ACCET accreditation has been a long-term goal of the Academy, and to achieve this is a testament to Grifols' dedication to ensuring quality education programs for our employees. Additionally, this accreditation will bring much deserved national recognition to the Grifols Academy in the specialized field of human plasma science."

The accreditation audit included a review of the Academy structure, its processes, programs, and student satisfaction. It also focused on eight standards: Mission, Management, Finances, Curricula, Instruction Delivery, Instructional Personnel, Admissions and Student Services, and Program Evaluation.  The ACCET Accrediting Commission commended the Academy for its strengths and efforts to meet the standards for accreditation and expressed its confidence granting the Academy accreditation for a period of five years.  This accreditation continues to further demonstrate Grifols commitment to quality employee development and training.