Accreditation - Chamberlain College of Nursing

[TRenee93]

I recently got accepted into the Troy, MI campus of Chamberlain College of Nursing. The school seems like a great fit for me but I do have one concern.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program itself is accredited by the CCNE. However, Chamberlain College of Nursing is not. Chamberlain College of Nursing is accredited by the HLC. I have been doing some research and I'm trying to decide if I should attend Chamberlain or should be placed on a waiting list for an institution that is accredited by the CCNE. While waiting 2-3 more years is not ideal, I don't want to go to a school that's as expensive as Chamberlain just to have a hard time finding a job once I graduate.

Would anyone be able to explain how the school not having CCNE accreditation could affect my chances of getting a job with a degree from that school? Is it enough that the degree itself has accreditation?

[hazel30, BSN, RN]

I don't know any Chamberlain graduates who have had a hard time finding employment after graduation. I think you're over thinking this; if you don't feel comfortable, go another route. Good luck.

[augurey]

I'm not really sure about the HLC accreditation. I tried looking it up, and from what I'm understanding, the HLC aids in the accreditation process (I think? I just looked at it briefly). I looked on the website for your school and it says that the HLC is one of 8 regional accreditation agencies. Could you check with your school about their accreditation?

I recently withdrew from an ACICS accredited school. They required some non-nursing classes to be taken along side the nursing classes. Because they weren't regionally accredited, none of the non nursing classes will ever transfer. I researched to find out my options after graduation for continuing education, and my options were very limited. I was uncomfortable with putting in so much time, effort, and money to only be limited after graduation.

I would get clarification from the school if you can. But the bottom line is if you're not comfortable with it, look somewhere else. You have to be confident in the school you're attending. I didn't understand accreditation when I first enrolled in my former school, but once I understood it all, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach thinking about how it would limit me.

If it's not properly accredited, I really don't know how it affect job opportunities. I know with my former school, I did hear a lot about graduates having a hard time finding work. I know it's not unheard of, but there's always a chance that the accreditation of the school can limit your employment opportunities. (I will say that the school I'm trying to get into now has a high rate of new grad hires, but it's usually at the hospital they are affiliated with).

I would check with your school though. They should, hopefully, be able to clarify their accreditation. If in doubt though, look somewhere else.

Edited to add: I just found this old AN post about the change in accreditation. Hopefully this will help! https://allnurses.com/chamberlain-college-online/chamberlain-dropped-nlnac-658405.html