Denver school of nursing and other schools that are not nationally accredited?

[salsaking]

I just got back from visiting some family in Denver and I came across the Denver school of nursing. It seems there is very little waitlist and they have an ADN and BSN program. Their tuition seems to be high and one of the "knocks" on them is that they are not accredited. If I chose to attend such a school and graduated before they became accredited, would I be able to pursue a graduate degree at a University? Is it really a big deal if the school is not accredited? Thanks for your help.

[TexasCatLover]

Hi, I'm new to nursing, so bear with me. I've been reading all of the reponses here and now I have a question. My diploma school is acccredited through the NLN and Texas State Board, but has no accreditation through any college or university. Would a diploma through a school of this sort be worthless?

[Snarf]

Not necessarily...now diploma programs are typically affiliated with local colleges so those credits will transfer. Diploma RN credits can often count for college credit via articulation agreements with colleges or by testing out (such as with Excelsior College exams). Being NLN accredited is likely to be a plus as you look for schools that will award credit.

[TexasCatLover]

Hey Snarf, Thanks for the info. I guess what grabbed my attention was what you said about looking for a school that was regionally accredited and approved by the Higher Learning Commission. I've done some checking around now; the only schools that would accept me into their RN to BSN programs are local. The big name schools in Texas and beyond told me they would not be able to accept the diploma because it is not institutionally accredited; therefore, no credits could be awarded for the diploma program. I would have to start all over again. I will be handing over several thousand dollars to the diploma people next week, if I do the program. It's not a cheap investment, by no means or ways.

[OakRNland, BSN]

In the past nursing schools in Colorado were never required to be accredited by the NLN or CCNE but all of that is now changing. The BON is mandating that all Colorado nursing programs be accredited...any program that fails to achieve NLN or CCNE will be closed..

Snarf-if this is true, then DSON will have to be accredited by NLN or they will be shut down?? Do you know by what date this needs to be implemented? Knowing that the State BON is requiring them to be accredited, is actually a positive thing, and gives me more confidence in attending this school.