Whether you’re just beginning to consider a bachelor’s in nursing, or have already started looking at schools, there’s an important thing to consider…accreditation. The purpose of accreditation is to assure the public as to the quality of an institution and its commitment to high standards through a system of continuous improvement.
If you’re unsure of accreditation as it relates to nursing programs, it’s time to educate yourself.
What does it mean to be an accredited nursing program?
A program or school of nursing that is accredited has demonstrated that their curriculum meets certain standards set by the accrediting body. The accrediting organization sets objectives that students of the program must meet to be qualified to practice at a particular level in nursing. Each set of objectives is specific to that program, whether it’s associate, baccalaureate, masters or doctoral level. The nursing program must demonstrate that its curriculum allows students to meet every one of those objectives. Accrediting bodies also look at the support systems that are in place to assist students in achieving their goals, such as financial aid, transfer credit, library services, etc. This is similar to the accreditation hospitals strive to achieve by the Joint Commission.
[How Do You Get a Bachelor’s in Nursing Online?]
Is there more than one accrediting body for nursing?
There are two major organizations that offer accreditation–the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which is affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The program at American Public University will be evaluated for accreditation by the CCNE in April of 2012.
[Editor’s note: APUS was accredited by the CCNE in October of 2012]
Why is being accredited important for nursing programs and their students?
For the program itself, being accredited by a nationally recognized body demonstrates to everyone that their school meets specific high standards, and adequately prepares nurses for practice at a particular degree level. For nurses who are evaluating prospective programs, the accredited status tells them that that the education they receive will provide them with the knowledge to practice at the next level in their nursing career. It’s also very significant for students who may want to continue on to further education. Many, if not most, master’s degree programs, for example, will not accept candidates whose BSN has not been conferred from an accredited university or program.
What is the process that a program goes through to become accredited?
I can speak to the CCNE accreditation to answer this question. New programs must be in operation for a year before they will be considered. Programs that are seeking accreditation go through a rigorous self-examination process in which they carefully evaluate all of their curriculum, support systems, etc., and share this information with the accrediting body. Faculty, students and many others are involved in this process. There is a site visit conducted by a team of evaluators assigned by the accrediting body. During this visit, the team members speak to a variety of University staff and faculty to further examine the program and support systems. Recommendations are then made by the accrediting body after which the accrediting board makes a determination about accreditation.
Once a program is accredited, it is reviewed every 5-10 years.
By Elaine Keavney, RN, MSN
Director, RN to BSN Program at American Public University
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