Accredited programs cite Post-Graduate Fellowship as a highly effective recruiting and onboarding tool.  Candidates seeking positions have greater confidence that they will receive the support they need to be successful and confident.   

The FCUCM program is an individual designation that requires candidates to meet specific criteria both personally and professionally.  Some of the criteria are mandated, while others can be selected by the candidate based on the individual’s activities and training.  Becoming an FCUCM is available to physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Becoming a fellow in the College is a lifetime award as long as the individual maintains membership in the College.   

The Fellowship Program Accreditation is a distinction awarded to an organization that has demonstrated alignment with CUCM’s Post-Graduate Fellowship Program Standards. Program accreditation is valid for two years and must be renewed with evidence that the organization continues to meet the established Standards.  

While they are separate programs and designations, CUCM recognizes the value of a fellowship program; therefore, clinicians who have completed a CUCM-accredited post-graduate fellowship program have a fast-track option to achieving the FCUCM designation. The applicant must still meet most of the criteria and have been a member of the College for at least one year, but gets credit for the commitment made. The candidate must submit a letter from the Fellowship Program Director verifying that the applicant completed the fellowship program to qualify for the fast track, along with the remaining requisite documentation. 

CAUCQ Accreditation significantly simplifies the process, as it confirms that the organization has committed to quality and safety standards that the Fellowship Program Committee seeks. However, the Post-Graduate Program Fellowship Accreditation Committee will also accept most other recognized accrediting or certifying bodies. Organizations are encouraged to contact CUCM@urgentcareassociation.org to verify their qualification or to request that an exception be considered.

The Post-Graduate Fellowship Program accreditation period is for 2 years.  CUCM typically reaches out at 18-months to verify that the program intends to re-apply within the next six months.  

No, the survey process is completed virtually via document submission, review, interviews, and follow-up.  There is no on-site survey component, as with many other programs, unless there are exceptional circumstances.  

The cost of accreditation depends on the number of fellows the organization plans to include in its program annually. The fee covers the entire two-year period. Contact CUCM@urgentcareassociation.org for more information.  

Can I get the Standard Manual before applying for accreditation? 

Yes, the Post-Graduate Fellowship Program Accreditation Standards can be purchased on the UCA website HERE.   Standards are $150 for members and $225 for non-members.  The cost associated with the Standards will be subtracted from the invoiced application costs if the organization applies and pays within six months of purchasing the Standards. 

The accreditation process is as follows: 

• CUCM notifies the member organization six months in advance if it is renewing an existing accreditation. 

• If renewing, CUCM will ensure the organization has the most recent copy of the Standards.  If the organization is seeking initial accreditation, it is recommended that it purchase the Standards Manual so that leadership understands its ‘gaps’, if any, and estimate the time required to prepare.
• Once committing to accreditation, CUCM provides the most recent application form and the current pricing matrix.

Once the application is received with the number of anticipated fellows per year, an invoice is provided.  If the organization purchases the Standards from the website, applies and pays within six months of the purchase, the cost of the Standards will be subtracted from the invoice. 

Once the application, associated documents, and the payment are all received: 

• The Post-Graduate Fellowship Program Committee will review the submission at its next scheduled meeting. The requisite documentation provided by the applying organization includes, but is not limited to, information about the program, faculty, curriculum, and program oversight and assessment.
• Once reviewed, one or more members of the Fellowship Accreditation Committee will participate in an interview with the program’s leadership to address any questions or seek additional information. This discussion provides committee members and the organization’s leadership with the opportunity to share information, best practices, and opportunities for improvement.
• Within thirty days, the Committee will decide to either seek modifications or accredit the program based on the interview and content provided.

Once accredited: 

• The organization will receive a certificate that can be duplicated and posted at any center that meets the criteria and serves as a fellow training facility.

• If requested, templated certificates are provided to graduating fellows, including the organization’s program director’s name and signature, and the CUCM and organization’s logo. 
• With the organization’s permission, CUCM announces the organization’s achievement and distinction on its website, via UCAccess, at its Annual Member Meeting, and in the next quarter’s edition of Urgent Caring. 

No, some programs are for APCs only, while others include both APCs and physician participants. Recognizing the variations in training, these programs may elect to create separate tracks for physicians and APC participants.  

Preparation periods can vary widely and tend to be dependent on the organization’s starting point. Some established programs have readied themselves for the process within 30-45 days.  Others have taken up to six months to develop a curriculum, secure faculty, create policies and processes, and prepare for implementation.  

Contact cucm@urgentcareassociation.org. Include the name of your organization, along with the primary contact’s information.  Someone at CUCM will reach out to you promptly.