Degree accreditation question

[RixMix]

Suppose one were to attend a state BON approved program at a nationally accredited school for an ASN, but that program didn't have ACEN(NLN) accreditation. I understand that this would cause a few problems with employment and furthering education.

Now, suppose the same person were to become accepted into a RN-BSN program at a CCNE or ACEN accredited program at a regionally accredited university... would that person still have issues finding employment or being accepted into an advanced practice program? What about with finding employment at the VA?

[RixMix]

anyone have experience with this?

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I know that BONs will look at where you went to school for your initial licensure--in this scenario, the ADN--when it comes to licensure and endorsement. So while a non-NLNAC school may be approved by the BON in your state, it may not fly with another state's BON. In addition, going RN-BSN or RN-MSN later doesn't always fix the problem, as those programs are not what got you your initial licensure.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Also, for working at the VA, you must have graduated from either a NLNAC or CCNE approved program.

So if that is your career goal, you better give the non-accredited ADN program a pass.

[Jolie, BSN]

I know that BONs will look at where you went to school for your initial licensure--in this scenario, the ADN--when it comes to licensure and endorsement. So while a non-NLNAC school may be approved by the BON in your state, it may not fly with another state's BON. In addition, going RN-BSN or RN-MSN later doesn't always fix the problem, as those programs are not what got you your initial licensure.

I respectfully disagree with this answer. All states have basic requirements for initial licensure which include graduation from a state BON approved education program and passing NCLEX. I am not aware of any state that requires NLN accreditation as a condition for licensure, either by exam or endorsement.

Many people confuse the terms, "BON approved" and "accredited." They do not mean the same thing. And NLN is not the only organization that accredits nursing education programs. Some reputable nursing education programs have stopped their association with NLN because the high cost and burdensome process of accreditation interferes with their ability to serve their students.

Some institutions require candidates for higher degrees (RN to BSN, MSN or Doctoral programs) to have graduated from an NLN accredited program. So it is possible that attending a program that lacks accreditation may limit one's options for future schooling. I suppose it is also possible that some employers require this designation, although in 30 years I've yet to run across one :). But I question the assertion that graduation from a non-NLN accredited program would prevent licensure in any jurisdiction in the U.S. If one can actually find that on a state BON website, I would appreciate seeing a link. Thanks.

[RixMix]

So I called the VA Human Resources office, and the Nurse Recruiter told me that NLN/ACEN/CCNE accreditation is only required for the most recent degree. So if one were to complete an ADN/ASN at a non-accredited program (at a nationally or regionally accredited institution,) and then complete an NLN/ACEN/CCNE accredited program for their RN-BSN, eligibility for employment at the VA would be instated. :)

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

But I question the assertion that graduation from a non-NLN accredited program would prevent licensure in any jurisdiction in the U.S.

I never said it would. I just said that what was approved in one state may not necessarily fly in another state.

So I called the VA Human Resources office, and the Nurse Recruiter told me that NLN/ACEN/CCNE accreditation is only required for the most recent degree. So if one were to complete an ADN/ASN at a non-accredited program (at a nationally or regionally accredited institution,) and then complete an NLN/ACEN/CCNE accredited program for their RN-BSN, eligibility for employment at the VA would be instated. :)

Very good to know!

[DinoJack]

I know this is an old thread, but whatever happened RixMix? I am in a similar situation. My original ADN program was not NLN accredited, but recognized through every state BON ( I work and have licenses as an RN in multiple states). I even got my RN to BSN through a great school accredited by the CCNE. Now I want to apply for a VA job. I am very nervous.