Nursing School Accreditation: NLNAC and CCNE  

The emergence of nursing programs everywhere is the way to answer the influx of nursing students. Nursing schools are struggling to accommodate the growing number of nursing students that is why many nursing programs seem to be popping up all over. With so many options, one way for students to identify a quality nursing program is through national accreditation. Nursing programs that have national accreditation are assured to have achieved established goals and meet expected standards and outcomes because accrediting bodies will hold them accountable.

While it is not required for a nursing student to be in a nursing program that is accredited by the NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)  to take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Exam), there are advantageous points for students to be in an accredited nursing program. Accreditation with either the NLNAC or CCNE can affect the student’s financial aid eligibility. If the program is not accredited, the student may not be eligible for federal or state financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement programs, scholarships, or grants.

NLNAC and CCNE have similar criteria and standards. However, the difference is the accreditation periods between individual schools and programs. The type of programs being accredited is also another difference between the accreditation organizations. CCNE only accredits bachelor and master programs while NLNAC accredits all types of nursing education programs. It includes undergraduate (practical, diploma, associate, and bachelor) as well as graduate (master and clinical doctorate) programs. The list of programs accredited for both NLNAC and CCNE is posted in their respective websites.

Knowing this information, it is important to use caution when selecting a nursing program to be in. Accreditation is one aspect you should consider in a nursing program. Which accrediting organization is the program accredited and why did they choose the particular body?

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.

NLNAC and Accelerated BSN Courses

An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program allows students who have already gained a degree in another subject to fast-track their way to a profession in nursing. There are currently a few approved nursing educational institutions providing accelerated BSN programs on the internet for people who want to earn their degree without giving up their job or family obligations. Most of the programs are approved by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or CCNE or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The Accelerated Degree BSN program is designed for learners who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. With this system, you could possibly finish your Nursing specifications in less time, usually in 12-20 months, based on your amount of work.

Students will likely practice Science and Nursing subjects like nutrition, nursing care, clinical problem solving, nursing and health care ethics, nursing informatics, and more. Some classes and Nursing experiences can be quite extreme, but the accelerated BSN offers an eye-catching alternative for people who are interested in getting a degree more quickly. There are several educational institutions that offer the complete accelerated BSN online, which could be a great option for working adults who need a versatile routine to accommodate their work and personal life.

Most educational institutions providing an accelerated BSN program do not need entry examinations, but do need the candidate to hold an active license and a strong educational record. Those looking for an accelerated BSN should choose a system that has been approved either by The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or NLNAC or by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Some educational institutions may reject accessibility to a master’s program if the BSN is not from a properly approved Nursing program.