Why nursing school accreditation matters
Looking at nursing schools? Make sure accreditation is at the top of your checklist. While you're comparing tuition costs and course offerings, this crucial detail can make or break your nursing career.
With the growing demand for qualified nurses, choosing an accredited program ensures you'll get the education employers trust and patients deserve. Here's what you need to know.
What is nursing school accreditation?
Think of accreditation as a seal of quality. It means your nursing program meets national standards for:
- Course content and curriculum
- Faculty qualifications
- Program quality and outcomes
- Student success rates
How accreditation benefits you
Opens doors for your career
- Employers trust graduates from accredited programs
- Many healthcare facilities specifically require degrees from accredited schools
- Shows you've received high-quality training that meets industry standards
Protects your investment
- Access to federal financial aid
- Ability to transfer credits if you need to switch schools
- Eligibility to take the NCLEX exam (required to become a registered nurse)
Top 15%
national ranking
in U.S. News & World Report for our BS, MS, and DNP programs*
94.88%
pass rate
on the nursing licensing exam (NCLEX) among bachelor’s students*
Who accredits nursing schools?
Two main organizations handle nursing program accreditation in the US:
- Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Focuses on bachelor's and master's programs
- Reviews programs every 10 years
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Offers additional student support services
- Reviews programs every 8 years
Red Flags: Watch out for?
Be cautious of programs that:
- Seem unusually inexpensive
- Promise completion in less than a year (except for approved accelerated programs for those with prior degrees)
Check Accreditation Status
Before you enroll, verify a school's accreditation:
- Review the school's website and program materials
- Search the CCNE Baccalaureate and Graduate Program Directories
- Check ACEN's database of accredited programs
Remember: Your nursing education is an investment in your future. Choosing an accredited program ensures you're getting a quality education that will serve you throughout your career.