Does it matter if LPN graduates from a NLNAC accredited program?

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I have been accepted to a school that just recently lost it's NLNAC accreditation for it's Associate's Degree RN program. I was accepted into the school's LPN program. The school has explained that the this accreditation lost will not affect the LPN program because their LPN program has never been NLNAC accredited only state approved. I will be able to sit for boards. The schools insists to RN students that it really isn't as big of a deal as the media has suggested. However, I've been doing some research and I noticed that in many areas most RN positions require graduating from an accredited school. I have noticed a few LPN positons with that requirement also. Does that accreditation mean more than the college wants to admit to? What might this mean after I graduate even if I get licensed? I don't want to waste time working towards a LPN certification and it becomes useless. Does anyone have any input they can share please?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I completed an LPN/LVN program in California in 2005. The state of California is home to hundreds of LPN/LVN programs, and not a single one of them has the NLNAC accreditation. Not one. Nada.

Even with the lack of NLN accreditation, I've still been able to find jobs with relative ease. As far as LPN programs are concerned, state approval is more important than any accreditation from the NLNAC.

I have been living in Texas for the past 4 years. The state of Texas has hundreds of LPN/LVN programs, and only 3 of them are listed on the NLN's site as having the NLNAC accreditation. Only 3. Yet, the rest of the LVN graduates from the schools that don't have NLNAC accreditation are finding jobs in Texas.

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As I have recently found out it the program is not NLNAC accedited some hospital groups will not hire you. So just like in my case the school plays it off as no big deal, and it is , depending on where you want to work :banghead:. Hopefully they can change their program and regain that accredidation.

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Thanks Commuter, I feel more comfortable with accepting the LPN slot at this school. I was so afraid of not being hired in the future on that basis alone. Do you think it may affect RN students more?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Do you think it may affect RN students more?
Yes, NLNAC accreditation affects RN students more so than LPN students. I am attending an RN program at a school that is not accredited by the NLNAC. Some hospital groups will hire RNs who completed this program, and a few will not. In addition, an RN who is looking to earn a graduate degree in nursing (MSN) might encounter difficulty if the original RN program was not accredited by the NLNAC.

Be aware that the NLNAC is not the only player in the game when it comes to accrediting nursing programs. The CCNE accredits nursing programs at the BSN level and higher. Therefore, a school that lacks NLNAC accreditation can have the CCNE accreditation and still be considered of sound quality.

However, the NLNAC accredits nursing programs at the LPN, diploma, and ADN level, as the CCNE does not deal with any nursing program below the level of the bachelor of science. The NLNAC also accredits BSN programs and above.

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As I have recently found out it the program is not NLNAC accedited some hospital groups will not hire you. So just like in my case the school plays it off as no big deal, and it is , depending on where you want to work :banghead:. Hopefully they can change their program and regain that accredidation.

The school will not have the opportunity to regain their accreditation for 2 or more years. The school stated that their LPN program has never been NLNAC accredited. They have had the LPN program for over 25 years. The faculty were upfront to say that this lost should only affect RN students if at all. I have just been very hesitant about proceeding with the program acceptance. I would think if a program was lacking in important standards that it would not be state approved or it would affect licensening. But they insists it has not affected those areas.

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Specializes in Geriatrics,Home Health, Public Health.

May I ask are you referring to CVCC? The reason I'm asking is because I wanted to apply for the LPN-RN mobility program.

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As far as i can find GCC is not either (LPN).

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Yes, Sweetgeorgianurse I am referring to CVCC.

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