Learn the benefits of choosing accredited nursing schools.
Advantages to Attending Accredited Nursing Schools
Nursing school accreditation creates a gateway for nursing students to participate in federally funded and state entitlement programs. Graduates from accredited nursing school programs also qualify to attend other accredited nursing schools to pursue advanced studies, including RN-to-BSN and master’s programs.
Nursing school accreditation can also make you more competitive in the job market; employers prefer to hire accredited practitioners because these employees are trained under nationally established standards for nursing education.
Nursing School Accreditation Bodies
Two national organizations accredit nursing education programs. The National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) accredits all types of nursing education programs including master's, baccalaureate, associate's and diploma. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits programs that offer only master's and baccalaureate level nursing degrees.
There are also separate accrediting bodies for advanced practice nursing fields, including nurse anesthetist and nurse midwife programs. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) accredits nurse anesthesia programs at the certificate, master's and doctoral degree levels.
The American College of Nurse-Midwives Division of Accreditation (ACNM) accredits midwifery education programs.
Different Levels of Nursing School Accreditation
for Different Nursing Programs
Most nursing school accreditation organizations use the same standards and criteria to accredit each nursing program type. However, nursing school accreditation is granted for specific periods of time that differ between individual schools and programs. Check with the nursing school or the accrediting body to determine the length of time for which the school is accredited.
Find an accredited nursing school to set your nursing career up for success.
How to Find out if your Nursing School is Accredited
NLNAC-accredited programs are identified on AllNursingSchools.com by a clearly marked logo next to the nursing school/program name.
What "Approved" by State Board of Nursing Means
Each state sets standards for and approves schools that can train nursing students to be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) examination in that state. However, approval by a state board of nursing does not mean that the school is accredited by a national accrediting organization. In general, though, every accredited nursing school is also approved by its state board of nursing.
Attending a Nursing School That is Not Accredited
Some nursing schools are approved by their state board of nursing but are not accredited by a national nursing accreditation body. You should exercise caution in considering attending a non-accredited school.
While it does not mean that you will not receive a quality education or that you will be ineligible to sit for and pass the NCLEX examination, it generally does imply that you will not be qualified to attend an accredited nursing school in pursuit of additional education (for example, an RN-to-BSN or a master’s degree program). That, in turn, might limit your progression in your professional nursing career.
Spotlight Schools
Kaplan University - School of Nursing
The flexibility and dynamic interaction of an online nursing education at Kaplan University allows for innovative web-based learning opportunities via message boards, online readings, academic exercises and web field trips. Learn more by clicking below.
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Walden University
Realize your potential to make a lasting difference in nursing. At the Walden University School of Nursing, you'll advance your career on your terms. Request information today.
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