The Appalachian College of Pharmacy is seeking accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). A newly instituted professional program of a college or school of pharmacy may be granted one of two preaccreditation statuses, Precandidate or Candidate, depending upon its stage of development. In the instance of a newly founded college or school of pharmacy, the programs generally progress through both statuses.

Precandidate: A new program that has no students enrolled, but meets basic ACPE eligibility criteria, may be granted precandidate accreditation status. This indicates that the college or school planning for the professional program(s) has taken into account ACPE standards and suggests reasonable assurances of moving to the next step, that of candidate status. Full public disclosure by the college or school of the terms and conditions of precandidate status is required.

Candidate: A new program that has students enrolled but has not had a graduating class may be granted candidate status. The granting of candidate status denotes a developmental program, which has taken into account ACPE accreditation standards and is expected to mature in accord with stated plans within a defined time period. Reasonable assurances exist that the program will become accredited as programmatic experience is gained, generally, by the time the first class has been graduated. Graduates of a class designated as having candidate status have the same rights and privileges as graduates of a program that has accreditation status.

In January 2010, ACPE voted to advance ACP’s program to Full Accreditation status.

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State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) has certified the Appalachian College of Pharmacy to operate in Virginia, and approved the formal use of the name "Appalachian College of Pharmacy," as well as ACP's right to confer the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

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