The challenge of outcomes assessment.

While many programs undertake formal assessment of student learning outcomes to satisfy accreditation standards, the ultimate goal of outcomes assessment is program improvement and increased student achievement. Properly designed and executed, outcomes assessment should tell the program how well it is operating and the extent to which it is contributing to the growth and development of its students. It enables programs to determine if they are effective in producing graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills and values to function as valuable members of the health care team, thus contributing to improved quality of patient care.