NON NLN or CCNE accredited schools

elkpark · Jan 11, 2010

I know that there must be some hospitals that hire without these accreditations or else they would not let me even have taken boards in Indiana.

I don't want to sound like too much of a downer, but there's no connection between licensure and employment (I mean in the sense that licensure doesn't guarantee employment). Your school meets the state BON minimum requirements so that graduates are eligible for licensure, but the BON has nothing to do with whether individual employers choose to only hire graduates of accredited programs (and when we say "accredited" in nursing, we are talking about NLNAC or CCNE -- no other accreditations matter) and no interest in whether or not an individual nurse can find a job. Employers are free to set whatever standards/requirements they see fit (as long as they're not violating state or Federal employment law).

Different areas of the country are more or less picky about things like whether your program was accredited, and rural areas are often less selective (because they can't really afford to be too picky), or outpatient or physician office jobs might not be so selective. Best wishes for your job-hunting!!

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Feb 16, 2010

I have run into this problem as well. In times like today where there are more nurses than jobs, many places are able to set and stick to higher requirements. Perhaps when things even out more those requirements will be lightened. I only wish I would have known this before I went to my school.. :down:

zembalina · Feb 17, 2010

What school did you attend? Have you found any work? When did you graduate?

dmrefined · Mar 11, 2010

Any one going to school at ITT or know about their program? I'm thinking of going with that school but have heard a few negative things. Any feed back would be great!!! Thank you so much!!

mdpeniston · Mar 19, 2010

State accreditation for schools just means that the school has met the criteria to teach the subject (ie: teachers have a masters and all paperwork is in order). Accreditation from NLN is VITAL. This states that the school not only teaches this but does so in a qualitative and "Nursing Association" acceptable manner and that their pass rate on NCLEX is maintained above a specific minimum. Unfortunately many hospitals will not hire you from a NON-NLN accredited school and what's worse is if you attempt to further your education it is almost certain that NONE of those credits will even count and you will have to start basically from scratch. I know it is awful to hear, but unfortunately the schools aren't going to willingly share this information and it's up to prospective students to research this. Unfortunately, until you are done with school, you don't know this in order to research it. Good luck to you and I hope this helps to clear things up a bit.

elkpark · Mar 20, 2010

State accreditation for schools just means that the school has met the criteria to teach the subject (ie: teachers have a masters and all paperwork is in order). Accreditation from NLN is VITAL. This states that the school not only teaches this but does so in a qualitative and "Nursing Association" acceptable manner and that their pass rate on NCLEX is maintained above a specific minimum.

I'm sure there are variations among states and others may have had different experiences, but my state BON certainly does track the NCLEX first-time pass rates of schools in the state, and if a school drops below a certain point (I think it's 80%, although I can't swear to that), they are in trouble with the BON, get put on probation, have to submit a correction plan and work with their BON education consultant to implement it, and can get shut down if they don't improve within a specified amount of time. That's all through the state BON, and has nothing to do with whether or not a school is accredited. That's been my experience in teaching nursing in the three states in which I've practiced.

pcn1965 · May 11, 2010

I am in the same boat. I went to Mid Michigan Community College, which is not NLN accredited and have not been able to get a job. I am currently selling cars at Bradley Chevrolet in Franklin Indiana to make ends meet. I am going back to school to Ivy Tech so I can work as a nurse again. If anyone needs a new or used car and they live in the Indianapolis area, come and see me, or if you know of anyone who is looking for a car send them to see me. Thanks

Donald11 · Jun 6, 2010

Does anyone know whether a graduate of an LPN program that is not NLN accredited can go on to be an RN or will they encounter problems? Does anyone have first hand experience in this area? Thanks.

Ready2GradMay09, ASN, BSN, MSN, NP · Nov 22, 2010

I recently found this post, and found it most helpful. I just relocated back to Indianapolis after a 6 year hiatus. I completed nursing school in NC at a local state supported community college, and have over a year nursing experience as an RN.

After completing an interview, and almost being offered a job (HR told me they were preparing my offer letter), I was told that I could not be offered a particular position due to my school not being NLNAC/CCNE approved. They are in the process of being approved, it is just very expensive and community colleges often do not have the funding.

So in the process of all this I have discovered that St.Vincent, St. Francis and Wishard are a few of the hospital systems that do not require this accreditation for their applicants. However, most positions I have encountered recently require experience (so not much help for new grads).

The solution for this is to complete higher education at a CCNE/NLNAC accredited school. Hope this information helps somebody!