Navigating the Landscape of Accredited Nursing Education Programs

For individuals aspiring to a career in nursing, understanding the requirements of accredited nursing education programs is crucial. Accreditation serves as a benchmark of quality, ensuring that programs meet specific standards and adequately prepare graduates for the challenges of the profession. Not all nursing schools or programs are accredited, making it essential for prospective students to discern accredited programs from non-accredited ones.

The Role of Accreditation Agencies

The Department of Education sets accreditation standards to help ensure that higher education providers meet certain quality standards. Several agencies play a vital role in accrediting nursing programs, with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) being the primary bodies. Both agencies accredit baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs. These agencies employ rigorous criteria to drive continuous improvement in institutions and programs, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

While CCNE and ACEN are the primary nursing accreditation bodies, there are other accreditation agencies for some specialty fields, such as nurse anesthesia and nurse-midwifery programs. It's worth noting that initially, CCNE accredited only school nursing programs, but this is no longer the case.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

CCNE is the accreditation arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) that accredits bachelor’s- and master’s-level programs, post-graduate APRN certificate programs and entry-to-practice residency for nurses. A key aspect of CCNE's accreditation process is the mandate that all degree programs and other types of programs include clinical practice experience for students. The agency maintains strict guidelines for clinical practice experience for both online and on-campus programs.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Many nursing programs mandate ACEN accreditation for graduate-level nursing program admission. ACEN-recognized regional accrediting agencies cover areas representing the entire United States, but they are institutional accrediting agencies.

Read also: Career College Accreditation

Importance of Accreditation

Choosing an accredited nursing program offers numerous advantages. An accredited nursing school program must meet certain sets of standards and continue to monitor and review their curricula in a self-regulatory process to ensure it is kept up to date and compatible with state licensing rules. Students may benefit from accredited nursing programs because they tend to be more widely recognized and valued by employers. In general, accredited programs are credible programs offering quality nursing education. Accreditation can be a complex and confusing topic.

Transferability of Credits

An accredited nursing program may also ensure that an institution’s credits are transferable.

Eligibility for Financial Aid

Regional accreditation can help increase student access to federal financial aid.

Preparation for Licensure and Examinations

It may also better prepare you to take nursing exams and pursue state licensure.

Verifying Accreditation

Lists of accredited nursing schools and programs are available from reputable accrediting agencies, such as the ACEN, the CCNE or a regional accrediting agency. Department of Education-approved accrediting agencies. Department of Education, including CCNE and ACEN. Enrolling in a regionally accredited school also comes with the assurance of a trusted, recognized institution that is often nonprofit. Nursing school accreditation is important to becoming a registered nurse and becoming a nurse practitioner. Department of Education-approved accrediting agencies.

Consequences of Attending a Non-Accredited Program

There may be serious downsides. There are nursing schools that lack accreditation from nursing accreditation bodies such as the CCNE and ACEN. Department of Education-approved accrediting agency helps assure that a nursing program stays on track.

Limitations on NCLEX Eligibility

It depends on the judgment of your state’s board of nursing, but it’s possible that your state will not allow you to take the NCLEX if your school is not accredited. It may be a good idea to contact your state’s board of nursing directly to verify that the school you are interested in will qualify you to take the NCLEX.

Difficulty in Credit Transfer

Your nursing credits may not transfer to other schools.

Reduced Job Prospects

You may not be as qualified or prepared to take the NCLEX exam, you may not be eligible for federal financial aid and you may have more difficulty getting hired. In the worst cases, you may not be able to take the NCLEX due to certain restrictions.

Online Nursing Programs

Yes. For example, there are many online MSN programs that have CCNE or ACEN accreditation. These programs can be less expensive than other forms of nursing education. However, it’s always a good idea to make sure the accreditation is up to date and that the program meets your state’s requirements.

Nursing Education Pathways

Individuals who are interested in a career in nursing have a choice of various levels of nursing education: baccalaureate degree nursing programs, associate degree nursing programs, or practical nursing programs. Some states also offer diploma programs in nursing; however, there are no diploma programs in Oklahoma.

Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.)

When you choose a nursing program, you must first decide whether you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) or a Registered Nurse (R.N.). Practical nursing programs are generally offered in technical centers or private vocational schools in Oklahoma. These programs prepare individuals to take the licensure examination to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. A practical nursing program is approximately one year in length for full-time study, although there are part-time options available at this level too. L.P.N.s generally work under the supervision of an R.N. Because practical nursing education is within the technical system, college credit is usually not earned in a practical nursing program. However, all of the associate degree nursing programs and many of the baccalaureate degree nursing programs allow the L.P.N. to receive advanced standing credit for a portion of the course work, if the L.P.N.

Registered Nurse (R.N.)

Registered nurses are prepared for the full scope of nursing, including development of the plan of care, providing safe and effective nursing care, patient teaching, and managing and supervising nursing care. To assist nurses to determine appropriate roles of the nurse, according to their educational level, the Oklahoma Board of Nursing has developed a document called Nursing Competencies by Educational Level: Guidelines for Nursing Practice and Education in Oklahoma. This document provides guidelines for nursing education and practice at each level of nursing education.

Associate Degree in Nursing

Associate degree nursing programs are offered in community college settings, and generally take two years of full-time study. General education courses are taken at this level too, as well as nursing courses. Associate degree nursing programs prepare an individual entering the nursing field to take the licensure examination for Registered Nurse (R.N.) licensure. The R.N. Many R.N.s may choose to end their formal education at the associate degree level, but others continue their education in baccalaureate programs, which can be completed in a shorter length of time by the R.N.

Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

Baccalaureate degree nursing programs are offered in university settings, and generally take four years of full-time study with course work that includes general education and nursing courses. Students may also choose to attend school part-time, in many cases. Baccalaureate degree nursing programs are designed to prepare an individual entering the nursing field to take the licensure examination for Registered Nurse (R.N.) licensure. A Registered Nurse who is prepared at the baccalaureate level has many career opportunities. All of the baccalaureate degree nursing programs in Oklahoma also offer advanced standing opportunities for R.N.s who have an associate degree or diploma, and who want to complete their baccalaureate degree in nursing. There are three additional programs that are open only to R.N.s completing their baccalaureate degree in nursing.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Enrollment in an advanced practice registered nursing program requires an individual to hold a registered nurse license. Some APRN specialties may have separate accrediting agencies. Ultimately, it depends on your personal career trajectory.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Advanced Unlicensed Assistant (AUA)

There is confusion among nurses about the difference between a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and an Advanced Unlicensed Assistant (AUA). In Oklahoma, certification as a nursing assistant is required for those who work in long-term care facilities. The training, certification, and regulation of CNAs is through the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Their training includes basic nursing assistant skills involving hygiene, mobility, and nutrition, among others. For questions about the role of CNAs, please call the Nurse Aide Registry at the Oklahoma State Department of Health, (405) 271-4085. In Oklahoma, certification as a CNA is not required for nursing assistants who work in acute care facilities. The training program for AUAs is designed to build on basic skills traditionally performed by nursing assistants. Selected advanced skills, legal and ethical aspects of health care and appropriate personal behaviors are presented in a format combining classroom lecture and discussion, demonstration, practice lab and clinical application. Graduates of an AUA training program are prepared to safely perform technical skills that are included on an approved skills list. Once the individual has completed the training they apply for certification. The Board ensures that all application requirements have been met, approves the application, and notifies the applicant. The applicant then schedules an appointment to take the written examination and skills examination at an approved test site. A testing service grades the examination and notifies the Board of the results.

Additional Resources

The Florida Board of Nursing (Board) approves new pre-licensure nursing education programs that meet the application requirements specified in Section 464.019, Florida Statutes. Program Information and Resource downloads may not be compatible with all internet browsers.

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