I can't work at the VA hospital when I graduate!

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Hey everyone. I was at the VA today trying to get vocational rehab for nursing school. I'm currently attending Carrington College in Albuquerque. I found out today that the school is accredited, but the nursing program is not! As a result of there not being any accreditation, I was also told that I'd be limited as to the hospitals and facilities in which I can work. Is that accurate? If that's the case, I will likely drop out of Carrington after this term is over in January. I'd appreciate any feedback! Thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

yes it's true. Some states will not allow you to even sit for NCLEX if your school is unaccredited.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

My nursing program is in the process of seeking accreditation from CCNE I think, but as of now they only have state accred. Because of that,many VA hospitals will disqualify the application based on that..

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Think long and hard about staying in/investing in a program that is not nationally accredited, especially if you have any inclining you might want to work at a federal facility, move to another state, or continue your education.

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Man, I'm really bummed about this. I was so excited to be in the program. So discouraging.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Even accredited programs (ie Excelsior) aren't recognized by some state BON's, the best thing to do is to check with the BON's in any states you might work in.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
Man, I'm really bummed about this. I was so excited to be in the program. So discouraging.

Don't be too bummed- you found out in time to do something about it after all.

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Yeah I guess so. This term is up in January. Guess I'll start shopping around.

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Good luck finding a new program.

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Thanks. The only drawback is that all of the accredited schools have a waiting list and I'll be in school a lot longer just to get my Associates/RN license. If I stay at Carrington, I can work at a couple of local hospitals until I get my BSN. I know that the school where I would be getting my BSN from is accredited. Decisions, decisions...

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Thanks. The only drawback is that all of the accredited schools have a waiting list and I'll be in school a lot longer just to get my Associates/RN license. If I stay at Carrington I can work at a couple of local hospitals until I get my BSN. I know that the school where I would be getting my BSN from is accredited. Decisions, decisions...[/quote']

Yea but can you even sit for the nclex in your state if your schools program is not accredited??? I am guessing you cannot so no nclex=no license=no RN to BSN program.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thanks. The only drawback is that all of the accredited schools have a waiting list and I'll be in school a lot longer just to get my Associates/RN license. If I stay at Carrington, I can work at a couple of local hospitals until I get my BSN. I know that the school where I would be getting my BSN from is accredited. Decisions, decisions...
but you will still be limited by the non accredited school for your RN....they will ask and will see it wasn't and it can limit your options later and some states my not issue you a license if you move...if you are willing to risk it.
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