Accreditation?

[jl95]

Hi,

So I'm looking into attending a school that is state accredited, but not nlnac accredited. They offer LPN, RN, and BSN programs; however, I only plan on finishing my RN and then transfer to a state school.

Will the school's non nlnac accreditation hurt me when applying to RN-BSN programs? Would this prevent me from getting accepted?

I know it might be bad if I were looking for employment right after my RN which is why I would like to finish my BSN at an nlnac accredited school right after graduating with my associates.

I'm sorry if this sounds all confusing, but I hope you can understand what I'm trying to say.

I just need HEEEEEELP.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Don't feel bad about admitting you're confused. This is a pretty confusing subject.

RN programs in the US are accredited by one of 2 organizations. NLNAC accreditation is available for all levels of pre-licensure programs, but CCNE is limited to BSN & up. Many state BONs also require 'graduation from an accredited RN program' in order to be eligible for NCLEX. If you're planning to continue your education in a bridge program other than the one in which you obtain your first degree, it may be very difficult to find one that doesn't require that pesky 'graduation from an accredited RN program'. You may also encounter potential employers with that same requirement... Bottom line? It is very risky to choose an RN program that is not nationally accredited.

As for LPN/LVN programs? National accreditation is not a requirement. They only have to be approved by the state body that is responsible for this function.... may be the BON or other state agency.

[jl95]

So say I do my LPN at this non accredited school, but transfer to an associates program that is nationally accredited. I should be okay when applying to RN-BSN programs and finding employment?

[jl95]

also, one associates program that I am looking at is ACEN accredited. What does that mean?

[Tantei]

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is the new name for NLNAC.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Many state BONs also require 'graduation from an accredited RN program' in order to be eligible for NCLEX.

There's not a single state board of nursing in the union that specifically requires graduation from an accredited nursing program. All state BONs require approval, but not necessarily national accreditation from ACEN or CCNE.

[jl95]

And what does CCNE mean?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

And what does CCNE mean?

CCNE = Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education