Nursing School Accreditation

Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. When embarking on your nursing career, it is essential that you seek out only accredited schools to pursue your education. This will ensure that any coursework, diplomas, or degrees earned will be legitimately recognized by prospective healthcare employers, graduate schools, and nursing professional organizations.

Currently, there are two nationally recognized accreditation organizations for nursing:

NLNAC – National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission

• Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national accrediting body for all types of nursing education programs.

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

• 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.
• As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing education programs and the continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education.

Accreditation also assists in the further improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources, processes, and results. The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules, and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession. Although schools that have been accredited by either organization are acceptable, look for those that have dual accreditation whenever possible.

Top Online Nursing Programs

	Indiana State University - Bachelor's Degree. Offering upper level nursing degrees, Indiana State University educates students with interactive nursing programs. Indiana State challenges students with a dynamic learning curriculum in a variety of nursing degrees.
	Kaplan University - Certification, Associate's, & Bachelor's Degree. Kaplan University has a well respected nursing program for students looking to obtain their degree online. Kaplan is an accredited university with a history of placing students in high-growth nursing careers.
	Liberty University - Certification, Associate's, & Bachelor's Degree. As the largest evangelical university, Liberty UniversityÕs Distance Learning Program has prepared numerous students for nursing careers. Flexible and affordable online nursing classes are available.
	South University - Certification, & Bachelor's Degree. South University is one of the most respected names in online colleges and provides a variety of nursing degree plans. South University makes it possible to earn your entire nursing degree online.
	Grand Canyon University - Certification, Associate's, & Bachelor's Degree. Challenging students to be the best student they can be, Grand Canyon University is an education Christian community. A variety of nursing programs are available.
	University of Phoenix - Certification, & Associate's Degree. University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and offers nursing degrees at affordable prices. Phoenix allows students to practice what they learn with hands on teaching methods.

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