The NLN Accreditation

To determine if an educational program meets the professional standard, an evaluation process is done by an outside body. This evaluation process is called an accreditation. Most schools or programs seek accreditation because it tells of the competence of the school or the program. One of the national organizations that has an accreditation entity is the National League for Nursing (NLN).

The NLN is a membership organization for nursing faculty and leaders in education. Part of it is the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) which is the entity that is responsible for the accreditation of nursing education schools and programs. The NLNAC website has a detailed information on a wide variety of nursing programs that has specialized accreditation the NLNAC is responsible for, including clinical doctorate, master’s, bachelor’s, associate’s, diploma, and practical programs.

The NLNAC accreditation serves to provide assurance that schools and nursing programs meet or exceed certain standards and criteria. Nursing schools or programs that have an NLNAC accreditation are able to improve through self-evaluation. The accreditation also helps programs recruit students, assures employers that graduates have competent skills, guide students in their job and education choices, and helps students be eligible for financial assistance from government sources.

Not all schools or programs in nursing have an NLN accreditation. So students who choose to attend non-accredited programs may not be eligible for financial aid. Non-accredited programs may not be transferred as well when students decide to change programs or further education. And the worst, students may have fewer job possibilities if they attend non-accredited programs, especially in the government.

The NLN accreditation done by the NLNAC is an important factor in considering a nursing school or program. Aside from it serving as proof that a program is following professional standard, an accreditation also has benefits that students attending the program can take advantage.

Pursuing Accreditation Through NLNAC

When seeking accreditation or re-accreditation, there are many ways to handle the procedure. Because of the complexity of the accreditation procedure, it is crucial to consider how we may apply technological innovation to help handle the procedure. Whether it is interaction with stakeholders, handling amount of work for staff, or offering large amounts of information to the targeted traffic, there are 100 % free and easy-to-use resources that can make the procedure not only more controllable, but also improve the opportunities of a better result.

nlnac_accreditationUsing a distributed data file service (e.g. Dropbox or Google Drive) can really help staff with handling several editions being used by several authors. Using an online survey tool often allows gathering data that is more controllable for members and researchers. Often times, these resources are also 100 % free. Having learners submit artifacts to an on the internet task selection tool in the learning management system will help create one location where examples can be saved. Having a USB drive ready for the targeted traffic allows with handling a number of different data file types, sizes and locations. Also, consider simple video clips as a means of describing and indicating how your system controls day-to-day functions. These video clips can also emphasize important features of your system such as simulator and group outreach.

Using technological innovation does not have to be complex and it can really improve the accreditation experience for all engaged. Whether it is NLNAC, CCNE, or Board of Nursing, you can apply resources at low price or no price to make your system glow. All baccalaureate, graduate, and residency nursing programs working under CCNE certification do so according to nationally recognized requirements. Nursing certificate, diploma, and professional degree programs working under NLNAC accreditation do so depending on the same requirements as well. And contribution in both is completely voluntary.