ADN (Regionally accredited but not Nationally accredited?)

[Cee_Cee]

Hello Everyone!

I am currently applying to ADN programs and one of the schools I know I could easily get into is Regionally Accredited in California, but it is not Nationally accredited.

I do anticipate furthering my education later on so I was wondering how this lack of National Accredidation can impact me negatively. Also, say if I ever was to go to Medical School one day after I get on my feet and save up for awhile (or even become a specialized nurse) would this non accredited ADN hinder my advancement in either route of education?

Ultimately, I would hate to wait any longer than I would have to in regards to actually starting nursing school, but is it recommended to wait (and maybe work under my CNA cert.) until I get into a Nationally accredited ADN program? Or is going ahead with a non nationally accredited school ok so long as it is regionally accredited??

Another question I have is, how hard is it to get into a Nationally accredited BSN program if your ADN isn't Nationally accredited (and again how could this affect me furthering my education in Graduate school one day?).

Thank you all in advanced!

[OliverElio87, BSN, RN]

I'm a bit confused with your question. However in academia, regional accrediattion is the gold standard. Thus, if you are in California make sure to ask the school if they are WASC (Purposes of WASC Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission) accredited. If they are not, then you will have trouble furthering your education if you want to transfer those units to another regionally accredited institution.

You also want to look check if the school's nursing program is programmatically accredited by either CCNE or ACEN (formally NLNAC). If they are not, you might have trouble furthering your education in future nursing programs.

So basically, make sure the school is WASC and CCNE, or ACEN, accredited and you will have no problems.