Accredited first responder schools in Puerto Rico
5 accredited schools in Puerto Rico offer first responder programs approved for WIOA funding
These schools are on the US Department of Education's list of accredited schools, and Puerto Rico has approved their programs for workforce funding. Between them they offer 9 of the 9 first responder programs on the state's list.
The Department doesn't accredit schools itself. It reviews accrediting agencies and lists the ones it recognizes as reliable judges of the quality of the education they accredit.1 Each school below names its accreditor, the year it was first accredited where the list records it, and its next review.
WIOA funding doesn't require accreditation. Besides colleges, a state can approve other public and private training providers,2 so many short courses come from schools that aren't on the Department's list. Their programs and results are on each field's page.
First responder training in Puerto Rico, every school, with costs and results
All job training programs in Puerto Rico
More accredited schools in Puerto Rico: Trade schools · Nursing schools · Medical certification programs · Allied health programs · IT schools · Business schools · Beauty schools · Culinary and hospitality schools
Accredited EMT and paramedic programs in Puerto Rico
All 3 schools with EMT and paramedic programs on Puerto Rico's list are accredited. They offer all 7 programs. See these programs with prices and results
NUC University
Mayaguez, listed as Northbridge University
Accredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Trainingsince 2025, next review 2030
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Educationnext review 2026
4 programs
Atenas College
Manati, listed as Atenas University Dr. Maria Luisa Hernandez
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Educationsince 2019, next review 2031
2 programs
CEM College
Rio Piedras
Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Collegessince 1986, next review 2025
1 program
Accredited criminal justice programs in Puerto Rico
All 2 schools with criminal justice programs on Puerto Rico's list are accredited. They offer all 2 programs. See these programs with prices and results
Caribbean University
Bayam N
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Educationnext review 2029
1 program
ICPR Junior College
Mayaguez, listed as Instituto Comercial de Puerto Rico Junior College
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Educationnext review 2030
1 program
How we matched Puerto Rico's schools to the accreditation list
Which schools are counted?
Schools with programs Puerto Rico approved for WIOA funding in public safety, from the US Department of Labor's file for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).3 The two lists share no ID number, so we matched each school by its website and name in the same state, and checked every unclear case by hand. A school that only hosts a college's classes doesn't count as the college. Where we couldn't tell, the school is left out.
How current is the accreditation?
We read the Department's list of October 24, 2026 and count only current accreditation. The Department notes that agencies report this information, that it isn't audited, and that the agency itself has the latest status.1 Before you enroll, check the school's standing with its accreditor.
Sources for the accreditation facts about Puerto Rico
Show the 3 sourcesHide the sources
- US Department of Education, Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), data files of 2026-10-24
- 20 CFR 680.410, What is an eligible training provider? (eCFR)
- US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List