Nursing School Accreditation
Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process where non-governmental organizations recognize schools and/or programs that have been found to conform to or surpass certain standards and criteria for educational quality.
There are two national organizations that accredit nursing education programs: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). While not every nursing school and nursing program is NLNAC or CCNE accredited and a quality nursing education is possible without the mark of distinction, a degree from an institution accredited by one of these organizations ensures that you will be qualified to attend another accredited school of nursing, should you be interested in an advanced degree, for example an RN-to-BSN or Master’s degree. Also, some scholarships are only available to students attending accredited nursing programs.
RESOURCES
The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national accrediting body for all types of nursing education programs.
Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency contributing to the improvement of the public's health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs preparing effective nurses.
There are also accreditation organizations for fields in advanced practice nursing:
American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Division of Accreditation (DOA)
Council of Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs



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