How important is it for a nursing school to be accredited by NLN or AACN?

[Honeybun1206]

I have a BSN (my school was accredited by the NLN). I'm currently applying for my MSN but the school I'm applying to is accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), who I've never heard of until now. I've only heard of the NLN and AACN. I read an article saying it's important for the graduate school to be at least AACN or NLN-accredited.

Can anyone tell me the difference between the 3, and how important is it that it's accredited by NLN or AACN? (i.e., will it affect my chance of getting hired? I plan to acquire an MSN in Nursing Education).

Any input would be greatly appreciated, I'm still very anxious about the graduate nursing application process.

Thanks!

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Nursing is full of initials -- welcome to a life of alphabet soup.

The National Leage of Nursing (NLN) had a wing that does accreditation of CNA, LPN, and RN programs. This is the National Leage for Nursing Accreditation Council (NLNAC).

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AANN) is composed of BSN, MSN and DNP programs only. Its accreditation wing is the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE only accredits BSN and higher programs.

So schools aim to be accredited by either NLNAC or CCNE (some schools have both). The list of schools that are accredited by either organization are on the respective websites.