Accelerated Nursing Programs – BSN, MSN, DNP

Accelerated Nursing Programs – BSN, MSN, DNP 

What is an Accelerated Nursing Program? 

An accelerated nursing program is meticulously crafted to have a shorter duration compared to a conventional nursing program. It caters to students who possess a Bachelor’s degree in a different field but aspire to make a transition into the nursing realm. Essentially, if your goal is to shift careers and embark on the path to becoming a registered nurse, this program could be an impeccable choice.

The realm of fast track nursing programs addresses the escalating demand for registered nurses within the workforce. To the point where hospitals may establish partnerships with educational institutions in a bid to bolster their ranks of fresh RN recruits. It’s no surprise that more than 282 accelerated BSN programs exist in the United States, with even more in the pipeline!

These programs delve into an extensive array of subjects in a considerably compact timeframe. Consider rapid-paced BSN degree programs, attainable in a mere 11 to 18 months. You will be building upon your prior collegiate knowledge, with a concentrated emphasis on nursing-centric coursework and practical clinical exposure. Moreover, your study journey is likely to be full-time, bereft of semester breaks. Thus, it serves as an excellent avenue for individuals without prior nursing backgrounds to swiftly acquire expertise in an entirely new field.

Accelerated Nursing Program Types

There are accelerated nursing programs to suit many levels and goals. Let’s learn about a few of them. Later, we’ll go into detail about some common program types. 

  • Accelerated BSN. Often referred to as ABSN, this program entails obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing within a compressed time frame. It accommodates individuals with non-nursing Bachelor’s degrees. As a result, it encompasses essential nursing skills and theoretical knowledge. The advantageous aspect is that you won’t be required to redo your general education courses. Nonetheless, you might have to fulfill certain prerequisites if you missed any foundational science and health courses during your previous college tenure.
  • Direct Entry BSN to MSN. Tailored for individuals holding non-nursing Bachelor’s degrees, this program offers the unique opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) within a single integrated curriculum. This is particularly relevant for career paths like Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwife that necessitate a Master’s degree. Instead of pursuing a separate BSN program followed by distinct MSN studies, this route allows you to accomplish both endeavors concurrently.
  • Accelerated DNP. Crafted to expedite the attainment of a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, this program capitalizes on online courses and continuous learning methodologies. While some programs might stipulate a prerequisite of earning an MSN before entry, certain options exist to merge your MSN studies with your pursuit of a DNP.
  • MSN to PhD. This program seamlessly integrates your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) studies with the pursuit of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. This strategic combination facilitates a streamlined transition from your MSN coursework to the advanced curriculum of your doctoral studies. It’s imperative to have obtained your BSN prior to enrolling in this program.

Accelerated BSN, MSN, and PHD in Nursing Programs  

Accelerated nursing programs are available across the spectrum of educational levels, encompassing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral tiers. As you navigate your academic journey, here’s an overview of what to anticipate at each stage:

Fast track BSN Programs

The accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) is crafted to be pursued as a subsequent degree endeavor. Consequently, it typically demands a reduced number of credits (typically ranging from 49 to 60) compared to a conventional Bachelor’s program. Given your completion of general education courses in your prior degree, you’ll seamlessly transition into the realm of nursing studies.

The curriculum will lay the groundwork for your transition into the nursing profession. It will encompass critical health sciences, such as pharmacology and pathophysiology, while also immersing you in the intricacies of patient care. This entails mastering nursing practices for diverse scenarios, spanning from surgical contexts to psychiatric situations. Furthermore, you’ll delve into nursing methodologies tailored for various demographics, including children, women, and the elderly.

The culmination of your accelerated BSN program lies in the clinical hours you’ll undertake. Within the clinical setting, you’ll have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to authentic healthcare environments. Here, you’ll acquire practical skills like tending to wounds and conducting diagnostic tests.

It’s noteworthy that certain prerequisites might be stipulated for your fast-track BSN program. These prerequisites would involve courses that you should have already completed during your initial Bachelor’s program. Failure to have completed these prerequisites necessitates their fulfillment before commencing the accelerated nursing curriculum. These preparatory courses could encompass subjects such as biology, chemistry, statistics, and nutrition.

Admissions requirements for an accelerated BSN program may include: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree in a non nursing field, from a regionally accredited school
  • Minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale) 
  • Post secondary transcripts 
  • Personal statement 
  • Letters of recommendation 
  • Resume 

Common courses in an accelerated BSN program may include: 

  • Foundation of Nursing Practice. Just like it sounds, this course covers the basics of nursing. You’ll learn skills like patient assessment, analysis, and intervention. And, you’ll learn how to keep patients safe, clean, and comfortable.
  • Pharmacology. This course focuses on drug therapy. You’ll learn the chemistry behind medicine and how it treats diseases. You will learn how to calculate dosage. And, you’ll explore the toxic effects of misused drugs. 
  • Nursing Care of Children and Their Families. Your patients will have different needs throughout the lifespan. This course covers children, from infancy through adolescence. You’ll also examine the role of the family in children’s health. 
  • Community Health Nursing. This course introduces you to nursing for groups and communities. That include disease prevention in group settings. You’ll also look at environmental hazards that could impact large populations. And, you’ll study how to promote good health within communities. 
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. Psychiatric patients need nurses with knowledge of mental health. This course covers how to deliver a treatment plan to those with mental health needs. You’ll learn about the social and cultural factors at play, and how to provide sensitive care.  

Accelerated MSN Programs

Admissions requirements for an accelerated MSN program may include: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree in a non nursing field, from a regionally accredited school 
  • Minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale) 
  • Post secondary transcripts 
  • Letters of recommendation (academic and / or professional) 
  • Personal statement or essay 
  • Resume 
  • GRE scores (may be optional) 

Some common courses in an accelerated MSN program include:

  • Adult Health Nursing. A course like this may focus on both theory and clinical experience. You’ll learn important nursing concepts. And, you’ll practice them in person. That includes IV access and care, using a catheter, and keeping wound dressings sterile.
  • Maternal / Newborn Nursing. Learn the skills to care for mothers and babies. This course covers pregnancy and birth. You’ll learn about neonatal care, nutrition, and issues that occur during pregnancy. You will also learn how to care for infants after they are born.   
  • Nursing Leadership and Management. Running a nursing team or health organization calls for business knowledge. In this course, you’ll learn the theory and practice of leadership. That includes motivation, conflict management, and decision making. 
  • Assessment Across the Lifespan. This course covers how to assess and understand patients. You could look beyond symptoms, to gain the full picture of a patient. That includes cultural, social, and even spiritual factors. 
  • Becoming an APRN. Advanced practice registered nurses go beyond the basics. They specialize in areas of patient care, like midwifery or gerontology. This course covers what you could expect from this career path. It may be a good intro to further studies in a concentration area. 

Accelerated Doctorate in Nursing Programs 

Fast-track doctoral programs in nursing diverge slightly from accelerated BSN and MSN programs. This divergence arises because these programs typically require applicants to hold a Bachelor’s in Nursing as a prerequisite for entry. Despite this criterion, these programs can facilitate the expedited attainment of a PhD in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

Certain accelerated nursing doctoral programs offer the opportunity to concurrently earn a Master’s degree. In essence, they amalgamate MSN studies with doctoral-level coursework, thereby expediting your academic progression. Other programs necessitate initiating your journey with an MSN and gain acceleration through features like online courses or continuous curriculum, which may forgo traditional semester breaks. This approach contributes to minimizing the temporal investment required to achieve a PhD or DNP.

Irrespective of the pathway, doctoral-level nursing courses delve into advanced subjects, encompassing realms like nursing research, evidence-based practice, and public policy. Furthermore, you can opt to specialize or delve into an advanced practice area. This is particularly relevant for many Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who pursue a DNP or PhD. Should you choose a clinical concentration, your focus would be directed towards mastering the nuances of practice within that specific domain. For instance, a pathway leading to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner could encompass comprehensive training in primary care and advanced health assessment.

The crux of your time and dedication will likely be invested in a scholarly project or dissertation. In this endeavor, you will acquire the skills to employ research methodologies in resolving practice-oriented predicaments. This might even involve venturing into uncharted territories within the nursing field. Anticipate amalgamating this newfound knowledge in your culminating project.

Admissions requirements for an accelerated nursing doctorate may include: 

  • BSN and/or MSN from an accredited school
  • Postsecondary transcripts 
  • Resume 
  • Letters of recommendation 
  • Valid U.S. RN license 
  • APRN license (if it applies to the program)   
  • GRE scores
  • Goal statement or essay
  • Writing sample     

Some common courses in accelerated nursing doctoral programs are: 

  • Statistical Analysis for Evidence Based Practice. In this course, you’ll learn skills to analyze research. These include qualitative and quantitative reasoning. You’ll use these methods to draw insights that will inform your nursing practice. 
  • Leadership as an Advanced Practice Nurse. This course explores the leadership functions of APRNs. You’ll study skills for communicating with and guiding others. You will also learn how to improve patient outcomes, safety, and more. 
  • Healthcare Informatics. This field uses information engineering in health care. You’ll bring skills from information and computer science to the health field. This can help you understand and gain insights from health data. 
  • Epidemiology. This course covers population health and the spread of disease. You’ll study methods for intervention and control of disease. You will also learn how to conduct research in this field.  
  • Clinical Research Design. Research is a big part of doctoral nursing programs. That includes original research. This course teaches how to design a research study using human subjects. You’ll learn about ethics, controls, and how to make sure your findings are valid. 

Accelerated Nursing Online Programs 

An online accelerated nursing program has a convenient format that could save time. It covers the same coursework as an in person program. But, you don’t have to stick to a rigid course schedule. You could study any time of the day or night. 

This flexibility can be great, but also challenging. That’s because you’ll need to keep yourself on track and manage your time well. Sure, you’ll have access to supportive faculty and classmates. But, you may have to be more proactive about reaching out for help and mentorship. 

That said, if you plan to earn a fast track nursing degree, you’ve already earned at least a Bachelor’s degree. Hopefully, that means you’ve mastered time management. In fact, employers have reported that accelerated nursing program grads tend to be more mature. They’re older than traditional students. And, they usually have work experience in another field. All this could be helpful for online learners. 

Even if your program is mostly online, some parts will likely be in person. Many programs require labs and simulations. Some of these could be done virtually. But, many of these experiences call for in-person guidance. And, your clinical hours will likely be done at a hospital or health care facility near you.

In the end, it comes down to your preferences and learning style. Either program format could help you transition to a nursing career path. 

How long does an Accelerated Nursing Program Take? 

A typical accelerated BSN degree takes 11 to 18 months to earn. That includes any prerequisite courses you may need to take, depending on your educational background.  

While the shortest program may be 11 months or less, many take somewhere in the range of 14 or 15 months. These programs are designed to be pursued full time. That means you may not be able to keep working while you earn your degree. 

That said, some schools offer accelerated BSN programs that are also part time. These take a few years to earn but may still take less time than a traditional BSN program. 

Accreditation for Accelerated Nursing Programs 

Opting for an accredited fast-track nursing program carries significant weight. Accreditation serves as an assurance that your chosen program adheres to specific benchmarks of quality. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is entrusted with accrediting programs based on their commitment to excellence and ongoing enhancement. The overarching objective is to ascertain that nursing programs effectively cater to both students and the broader public, while simultaneously equipping them for professional practice or advanced studies.

Parallel to this, it’s imperative to factor in the licensing requisites within your state. Across all states, prospective nurses are mandated to graduate from an approved nursing program. To gain clarity on which programs hold approval, consulting your state board of nursing is essential. It’s noteworthy that approval and accreditation are distinct concepts. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that a substantial number of state-approved nursing programs align with CCNE accreditation standards.

In order to obtain a nursing license, successful completion of the NCLEX exam is imperative. The National Council Licensure Examination evaluates your grasp of fundamental nursing knowledge and the tenets of patient care. Your proficiency in addressing questions in these realms will be evaluated:

Safe and Effective Care Environment 

  • Management of Care 
  • Safety and Infection Control 

Health Promotion and Maintenance 
Psychosocial Integrity 
Physiological Integrity 

  • Basic Care and Comfort 
  • Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
  • Reduction of Risk Potential 
  • Physiological Adaptation 

Completing an accredited program doesn’t ensure you’ll pass the NCLEX. But, it should cover the materials you’ll need to know.  

Easiest Schools with Nursing Programs to Get Into

Easiest Schools with Nursing Programs to Get Into

Check out or list of easiest schools with nursing programs to get into. Then, get Matched for FREE to an online nursing program.

 

Why Are Many Schools with Nursing Programs Not Easy to Get Into?

Locating nursing programs that are relatively easy to gain admission to can be quite a challenge. Consequently, this could exacerbate the difficulty of securing a spot in a reputable nursing program.

Find an Online Degree Program

 

Several factors contribute to the growth of the nursing industry. These include an aging population, the increase in outpatient procedures, and the retirement of registered nurses (RNs). Consequently, it is projected that by 2033, the nation will require 6% more RNs and an even more substantial increase of 40% in advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

Yet in 2022-2023, the AACN says nursing schools rejected 91,938 qualified applicants. Both from Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and nursing grad programs. The main reason is a lack of master’s and doctorate prepared faculty. But there’s also a shortage of clinical sites, classroom space, and budget.

These issues often force nursing schools to downsize their programs. And makes it more competitive to get into a nursing school. Even with a 3.5 GPA.

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Easiest Schools with Nursing Programs

We compiled a list of 33 of the easiest schools with nursing programs to get into. It takes into account the most recent NCLEX pass rates and acceptance rates. You should note the acceptance rates published are at the school level not the nursing program level.

School# of Nursing Students% AdmittedUndergrad TuitionRN NCLEX 1st Time Pass RateBSN NCLEX 1st Time Pass Rate

Cox College

236100%$15,59993%90%

D’Youville University

259100%$33,560N/A85%

Herzing University – Madison

248100%$13,42075%53%

The University of Texas at El Paso

445100%$25,512N/A98%

Mississippi University for Women

47498%$8,092N/A100%

University of Southern Mississippi

22798%$11,618N/A95%

Brigham Young University – Idaho

24697%$4,656N/A93%

California University of Pennsylvania

27997%$15,726N/A95%

Western Kentucky University

31097%$27,00090%99%

Wichita State University

22096%$19,24084%N/A

Maryville University of Saint Louis

97595%$27,166N/AN/A

West Coast University – Orange County

66795%$22,685N/A91%

Wright State University Main Campus

26295%$20,606N/AN/A

University of Kentucky

31994%$33,406N/A99%

University of Toledo

27794%$21,737N/AN/A

Curry College

28493%$46,220N/A90%

MCPHS University

33893%$38,850N/A91%

North Dakota State University Main Campus

22593%$15,51188%89%

University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne

26493%$35,42080%95%

Gwynedd Mercy University

38292%$38,310N/A88%

South Dakota State University

37892%$12,809N/A92%

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

22992%$8,325NA88%

University of Alabama at Birmingham

99692%$21,864N/A96%

University of Kansas

24892%$28,772N/AN/A

Barry University

21591%$33,450N/A87%

Marshall University

28391%$20,294N/AN/A

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

25091%$18,173N/A99%

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

23191%$20,492N/A95%

University of Northern Colorado

22591%$26,204N/A94%

Albany State University

32290%$16,65678%93%

Indiana State University

27790%$21,734N/AN/A

Jacksonville University

57390%$46,180N/A100%

Illinois State University

21589%$28,086N/A96%

Northern Kentucky University

22389%$21,480N/A93%

How Do I Increase My Chances of Getting into Nursing School?

It may not be easy, but there are ways to improve the chances of getting into nursing school. Here are a few tips and suggestions to try out.

Clarify Your Personal Statement

Many nursing schools ask for an admissions essay. Or, you have to submit to an interview. For these things, you need to be able to explain why you want to become a nurse. What your goals are and any stories you have.

For example, you volunteer at blood drives or at a local hospital. Enrollment counselors often look for a well rounded candidate. So, be clear, focused and make it personal as well as professional.

Review Admission Requirements

Each nursing school may set its own standards for admission. These may also vary by degree level and program. And, may be lax at some schools and more detailed at others.

It is common for schools to set an acceptable GPA range, ask for SAT or ACT scores, and prerequisite courses. You may also need recommendation letters, written by a teacher, mentor or employer. A CPR certificate and up to date flu shot too. Review school standards against your own achievements. Then try to apply those matches to boost the odds of getting an acceptance letter. For instance, if you have a 2.75 GPA, apply to schools with a 2.0 or 2.5 range to stand out.

Apply to Lesser Known Schools Too

Many lesser known schools have approval from their state board, and accreditation. But, being lesser known than popular ones, may get fewer applications.

If you meet the admissions requirements, they may be worth looking into. At the end of the day, getting accepted into a few schools means you can pick the perfect one for you.

Pursue a Nursing Degree Online

Many lesser known programs are available at online nursing schools. Often, these schools have state approval, national accreditation and high NCLEX pass rates too. Some online programs are available at traditional colleges. These may use a cohort model where you enter with the same group. Most also use video conferencing and a set schedule to foster interaction. But you won’t have to move which may make them an affordable option.

Other programs are from online schools with nursing programs. In these schools, classes are available on a learning management system (LMS). The LMS may feature discussion boards, Wiki, and other digital tools. You may also have the flexibility to set your own pace, study from wherever you have high speed internet and so on. As far as clinical and hands on experiences, each school handles them in their own way. So, it is important to speak with an administrator to get full details.

Are you open to some legwork? A self-starter? If so, many online programs have lax admissions requirements (E.g. GPA of 2.0). And again, applying to a broad pool of nursing schools may help you get into one.

Scout Locations and Cast a Wide Net

Your chances of getting into a nursing program may be higher in some states than in others. This may be because there are more nursing programs in the particular state. Or, a wider range of open nursing jobs.

The schools may also have an open admissions policy making them accessible. Applying to schools in these states may increase your odds of getting into nursing school. Assess the school as well as the potential to land a job after you graduate.

A few states with the highest number of registered nurse jobs are:

  • California
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania

Areas like New York, Florida, Michigan, Texas, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Carolina also report high concentrations of RN jobs.

Start Preparing Before You Apply

Some nursing schools look at the whole candidate. Beyond your grades, they may want to see what kind of person you are and what type of nurse you would be. Things like volunteer work can help a professional resume stand out. Especially if in a health care setting.

Check out your local hospital, nearby camp, or emergency dept. Doing so may provide valuable experience. And, might help you form a professional network as you start your career.

NCLEX Exam Pass Rate

The NCLEX exam is the National Council Licensure Examination from the NCSBN. Or, National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The exam is a standardized test every state board of nursing use. They do this to assess your skill level and determine whether to grant you a nursing license.

Depending on your goals, you may take one of two NCLEX exams. The NCLEX-RN if you aspire to become a registered nurse. Or, the NCLEX-PN if you are a graduate of a vocational or practical nursing program. You need to pass the NCLEX to earn licensure. It is a pass or fail outcome, so in an ideal scenario, you only take the test once.

If you fail, you have to wait 45 days before your next try and may take it up to 8 times in one year. This is expensive as you have to pay to take the test each time. You may have took many tests in nursing school, but the NCLEX exam is different. As a practical exam, it tests clinical reasoning skills. So, while ideal to pass it first time around, many do not. To give you an idea, the national pass rate for first time NCLEX-RN exam takers is 88.18%. And the national pass rate for repeat test takers is 72.80%.

 

Top 5 States with the Highest NCLEX Exam Pass Rates

Statistics from 2022 have yet to be compiled. But as of 2022, the 5 states with the best pass rates for BSN programs are:

StateRN to BSN Pass Rate %
Vermont100%
New Hampshire100%
Wyoming100%
South Carolina95.3%
South Dakota94.4%

10 Tips for Passing the NCLEX on Your First Try

If you prepare for the NCLEX, it is possible to nail it on your first try. In 2022, 84,298 BSN students took the NCLEX exam and of them, 91.22% passed it the first time.

Here are ten tips to help you succeed as an NCLEX test taker.

1. Take the Test Seriously

Earning straight A’s in nursing school does not mean you will pass the NCLEX exam. Some nurses say you should spend at least 1 to 2 months studying for it. So, no cramming the night before.

2. Know What the NCLEX Covers

To be effective when you study, it is wise to know exactly what the exam covers. There are four main categories in the NCLEX -RN exam. Based on client care needs, these are:

  • Safe and Effective Care Environment (infection control, case management etc.)
  • Psychosocial Integrity (grief, loss, family dynamics etc.)
  • Health Promotion and Maintenance (aging, high risk behaviors etc.)
  • Physiological Integrity (risk, hygiene, nursing actions etc.)

3. Understand the NCLEX Format

The NCLEX test does not use pen and paper. Rather, it uses a computer and keyboard. Pen and paper exams give every student the same test, not so with the NCLEX.  The NCLEX uses CAT format, or computerized adaptive testing. This means that no one exam is identical to another. In fact, the computer algorithm draws questions from a test bank. CAT targets items to each candidate’s ability. The computer stops giving questions when it is 95% sure that you are above or below the passing standard.

4. Figure Out Your Learning Style

For nursing school exams, maybe you reread, rewrote and recopied your class notes. You will want to do more than that for the NCLEX. The test is practical and tries to get you to think like a nurse. Not memorize statistics. Some people learn by listening, interacting or through visual means. So, depending on your style, you may want to use study groups, flash cards, watch videos or draw systems of the body on paper. These tools aim to connect you with the material. And, may engage you in a way that exercises your nurse decision skills.

5. Invest in Your Success

To bolster your test taking skills, you may want to invest in practice exam books. Or, enroll in a test prep class (E.g. Kaplan, UWorld etc.). Some of these services use 3D images, quizzes and questions that mimic the NCLEX format. They are guides, so look for one that fits your learning style.

6. Think Endurance, Not Speed

For the NCLEX-RN exam, you need to answer from 75 to 265 questions and have up to 6 hours to do so. And for the NCLEX-PN exam, there are from 85 to 205 questions. This makes the exam day more of a marathon than a sprint. Getting your head into the game may help you pace your energy. You can also plan to take the breaks offered during the test. There is usually a locker area at the test center so you can pack snacks, water and a sweater.

7. Practice Makes Perfect

A practice exam may grow your comfort level with test taking. But going through the motions of answering questions doesn’t always help you learn. When you get an answer wrong, look up the content topic to go over the right explanation. Also, make a note of any areas you get a few wrong answers in. Then focus your studies on these areas. If you stress out before, during and after exams, this is another reason to practice. Some people take at least one or two full online mock NCLEX exams to get into the rhythm.

8. Stick to Science

If you are a nursing aid or have experience working in a hospital setting, put this aside. It may cloud your test answering judgement. Even if what you did in this facility was safe and correct. For instance, you called the doctor right away or your intuition worked. The NCLEX is about proven, research and evidence-based approaches. So, stay in the moment with science and think of how to apply it to form your answer choice. Often, the correct answer is about putting the patient’s safety first. Are they breathing, choking, passed out? You should approach every question step by step and use deductive reasoning.

9. Prep for the Day of Ahead of Time

Think of exam day ahead of time. Try to get your beauty sleep the week before, eat and create a checklist. Things like planning your commute, putting gas in the car and setting a reliable alarm. There are rules about what ID each kind of test center accepts. You also want to ensure the ID you plan to take with you is valid (not expired).

10. Breathe and Believe

You graduated, got your approval to take the test and you scheduled the test at a perfect timeslot for you. It is OK to have a few gameday jitters. But now is also the time to exhale and believe you have what it takes to pass the NCLEX at first go.

Nursing Program Accreditation

At a basic level, accreditation is about quality control. So, one of the main indicators of a quality nursing program is accreditation status. Quality standards apply to both curriculum and teaching staff. They also help to set criteria for professionals seeking licensure or certification.

A main goal of accreditation in nursing is to set a common standard for all nursing programs through the US. This ensures nurses in each state perform duties with the same skills and know how. But there are a few levels and types of accreditation. You may find an accredited school. But this does not mean each nursing program within it is also accredited. Accreditation has a few levels and types. You may find an accredited school. But it does not mean each nursing program in it is also accredited.

What are the main accrediting bodies for nursing programs in the US?

National accreditation means the program adheres to common standards of quality. Ones set by a US Department of Education (USDE) approved agency. The two main accrediting bodies of nursing programs in the US are the CCNE and the ACEN. Both agencies continue to evolve their process and refine their standards. Many people wonder whether CCNE or ACEN accreditation is better. One is not better than the other. But the two agencies differ in scope and set their own standards and review process.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

  • Recognized by the USDE, the CCNE is the accrediting branch of the AACN. Or, American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Their goal is to improve the quality of nursing education and patient care. CCNE accredits nursing education programs of all levels in the United States. Bachelors, masters, doctoral, and certificate levels. It also includes programs offering online and residency programs.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

  • Both the USDE and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize the ACEN. The ACEN is older than the CCNE and went by another name. National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLN). The ACEN is an accrediting body for all types of nursing education. So, it accredits nursing education programs and schools, both postsecondary and higher degrees. ACEN also accredits programs which offer a certificate, diploma, or a professional degree. Like the DNP, masters, baccalaureate, associate, diploma, and practical nursing programs. Plus, those offered via online education and transition to practice (TTP) programs. There are other

Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)

  • ACME accredits basic certificate, graduate nurse-midwifery, direct entry midwifery, and pre-certification nurse-midwifery education programs. It also accredits these programs offering online education.

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA – NAEP)

  • COA accredits schools and programs of nurse anesthesia at the post-master`s certificate, master`s, or doctoral degree levels. This includes online education programs.

State Board of Nursing Approval

  • State board approval allows the nursing program to operate. So, an accredited school still needs their state board to approve each program. You need to attend a state approved program to sit for the NCLEX exam. Also, to get a nursing license and practice nursing. It is worth pointing out state approval and national accreditation are not the same. Nationally accredited schools also meet state board approval. Yet a school might be approved, but not accredited. The difference comes down to what accreditation offers to those who qualify. Like financial aid, using your credits, and vis a vis the job market.

5 Reasons Choosing an Accredited School with Nursing Programs Matters

  • It is important you make sure the nursing school you’ve been accepted to is accredited by proper agencies. Attending an accredited (vs non-accredited) nursing school matters for a few reasons.
  1. In an accredited school, you may apply for federal financial aid (E.g. Pell Grant)
  2. It may be easier to transfer schools. Accredited schools may refuse to accept credits from non-accredited programs
  3. You may want to earn a nursing graduate degree. Nursing grad schools want to see your college transcripts from an accredited school
  4. To build a career, become an RN and beyond. You can only take the NCLEX exam if you graduate from an accredited program
  5. For the job market, and to boost your chances of getting hired. Many employers prefer or only hire grads of accredited programs

What happens if you attend a non accredited school with nursing programs?

  • If you attend a non accredited program, it does not always mean the level of education is not subpar. You may still sit for the NCLEX exam and earn a license if your program has state approval.
  • In this case, you might check out the nursing school’s pass rate for the NCLEX exam. This may give you the feedback you need to make a decision, as some schools have higher pass rates than others. You also want to weigh the possible benefits of choosing a CCNE or ACEN accredited program. Then make the choice while considering your financial situation, study and career goals.

 

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*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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1 You must apply for a new loan each school year. This approval percentage is based on students with a Sallie Mae undergraduate loan in the 2018/19 school year who were approved when they returned in 2019/20. It does not include the denied applications of students who were ultimately approved in 2019/20.

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