Accredited vs not accredited programs?

[ilyphant]

I need a better understanding on what it actually means to attend an accredited vs non credited nursing program. I'm only 2 classes away from finishing my pre reqs and I have plans to move to a different state after completing my ADN and attending a university that offers RN to BSN in the future so would that cause troubles when trying to apply to different programs later on?

[Raven1994]

Non-accredited institutions are often not recognized by employers or subsequent educational institutions (ie if you're applying for a bachelor's or a master's/PhD). So if you go to a non-accredited university/college you may have a hard time advancing your career or education goals. So when you apply to your ADN school, MAKE SURE that it's accredited! In my experience, most schools are accredited but make sure you check so you don't waste money.

[guest517]

Accreditation can make the difference between embarking on an exciting career path, or being saddled with debt and worthless credits. If a school is not accredited then do not bother attending because its pointless. Accreditation includes a voluntary evaluation process that institutions of higher education undergo in order to maintain standards of educational quality agreed upon by members of an accrediting body. You hear about the non accredited schools all the time which are appealing to people because they seem easy, simple, and are very cheap. The non accredited schools are much more common in Nursing programs so pay attention. You should also make sure that the credits you're taking are transferable out of state. Most community colleges have transferable credits but there's limits as to where they can be transferred to. Every nursing program has educational requirements that vary by state. So take a closer look at that as well.