The importance of accreditation in distance education

Nursing Students Online Learning

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As information technology continues to expand- quality education is becomming more attainable for individuals who were never able to go back to school because of time/family constraints. Now, though the internet, education is becomming more and more convenient.

I wanted to throw out a word of caution about making sure that you obtain a degree through an accredited program.

In the United States, colleges and universities are accredited by one of 6 'regional' accrediting bodies. I encourage anyone considering a degree through distance education to find out about the accreditation status of their proposed institution of study.

If you want to learn more about accreditation, visit:

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/accreditation/

This is the web site of the US government's office of post-secondary education.

There are many institutions out there that are not accredited, or are accredited by 'accrediting bodies' that are not recognized by the US department of education. This could have significant implications if you ever go to seek higher degrees.

Good luck!

Thank you Tim! I am considering getting my BSN (once I finish my ADN, of course!) through an online course. This is helpful info.

can you explain to me, anyone, what is nln(national league for nursing) vs ccne( Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)

acrediation? i know nln is an older more widely recognized body. why does a school choose one or the other. i was looking into u of wyoming's grad degree and they are ccne accredited, not nln. does nln accreditation cost more or are they fed up w/ nln politics or something? any responses appreciated. thanks!:wink2:

At one time, NLN had the 'market' cornered on nursing accreditation. Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency- independent of NLN.

The CCNE came about, and now, schools of nursing had 2 choices [for a while, things were looking bleek for NLN], except for the fact that CCNE only accredits BSN and higher programs [they do not accredit PhD in nursing programs- last time I checked].

The NLN is still the accrediting body for ADN and Diploma programs as well as LPN programs.

I hope this helps. If you are interested in CCNE accreditation, check out: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/

Specializes in MS Home Health.

When I licensed in my second state their criteria was only an NLN program.

State to state varies for sure.

renerian

Originally posted by renerian

When I licensed in my second state their criteria was only an NLN program.

State to state varies for sure.

renerian

Arkansas will only accept NLN accred. as well . I just called my state BON and asked before entering the Excelsior program. Good post !

Noelle

Yes, very good point... I failed to mention licensure by endorsement- some states do require accreditation as well. Be sure to check with your SBON. Or, if you plan to move, check with the SBON of the state you want to move to.

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