Nursing school accreditation is a stamp of a high-quality program, showing that it aligns with regionally recognized standards for quality and effectively prepares students to become nurses. When choosing a nursing program, ensure that the school is accredited and approved by the state board of nursing
When choosing a nursing school, you should consider several factors, including accreditation. Nursing school accreditation is an indicator of quality. This means that when you attend an accredited nursing school, you can rest assured that your program meets the standards expected of a nursing education and prepares you to become an effective registered nurse (RN).
At Averett University, our 16-month Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program carries Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation and Virginia Board of Nursing approval. Our university is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSOC).
Before confirming if your prospective nursing schools are accredited, it can be helpful to learn a little more about nursing accreditation. Discover the criteria for accreditation, learn about the accrediting bodies, and consider why accreditation is important for nursing students.
Learn about the differences between accelerated and traditional nursing programs.
What Is Nursing School Accreditation?
Nursing program accreditation is conferred by an independent accrediting organization after a thorough evaluation. When a nursing school receives accreditation, it means the school meets the high standards of quality and provides effective preparation for future nurses.
Because Averett’s ABSN program is accredited, you can trust that the education you receive aligns with national standards for nursing education.
Criteria for Accreditation Approval
Each accrediting organization establishes its own standards for evaluating a nursing program. These standards can evolve over time, and nursing schools are periodically re-evaluated to maintain accreditation.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education uses four main standards:
- The mission, goals, and expected outcomes of the BSN program are aligned with those of the institution and relevant professional nursing standards and are periodically reviewed and revised.
- The university or college demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the nursing program, such as by allocating sufficient resources, maintaining access to adequate clinical sites, hiring competent faculty, and offering academic support services to students.
- The curriculum aligns with expected outcomes and professional nursing standards.
- The program is effective at meeting its goals and fulfilling its mission, as determined by student outcomes and other factors.
Likewise, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges maintains a set of standards for nursing programs. Some of these standards include the presence of:
- Institutional integrity
- A clearly defined mission
- Qualified, effective faculty members
- Research-based planning and evaluation processes to ensure institutional quality and effectiveness
- Established student outcomes
- Student support resources
- Comprehensive, effective curriculum
Differences Between National and Regional Accreditation
Some accrediting bodies are national, while others are regional. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Education officially eliminated the distinction between these two accrediting bodies, yet these organizations may still be recognized unofficially as national or regional.
Types of Nursing Accreditation Bodies
At Averett, our nursing school is accredited by both types of nursing accreditation bodies. Our regional accreditation is conferred by SACSCOC, and our national accreditation is conferred by the CCNE.
Other national accreditors include:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA)
Meanwhile, regional accreditors that grant institutional accreditation that may encompass nursing programs include:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Why Accreditation Matters for Nursing Students
Knowing whether a nursing school is accredited can be important for your future. For example, attending a non-accredited school may disqualify you for certain student financial aid. Credits earned at a non-accredited institution might not readily transfer either.
Some other top reasons why you’ll want to attend an accredited nursing school include:
Quality
Attending an accredited BSN program indicates that the education meets high standards of quality. You can trust that the program will prepare you for a nursing career and the NCLEX-RN exam. If you go to a non-accredited program, the education you receive might be insufficient, leaving you inadequately prepared for your career.
Licensure
The requirements to obtain a nursing license vary by state. Although each state requires prospective nurses to pass the NCLEX, some may establish additional requirements, such as graduating from an accredited nursing school. If you attend a nursing school that isn’t accredited, you might not be able to receive a nursing license.
Further Education
The final reason accreditation is vital to your nursing career is that it opens the door to future degrees. Do you aspire to return to school to receive a master’s or doctorate and become an advanced practice registered nurse, such as a nurse practitioner? If so, you might be required to have a BSN from an accredited nursing program to be eligible to apply for an advanced degree.
Interested in a career as a nurse practitioner? Follow these steps to become an NP.
What Is State Approval?
While accreditation deals with accrediting bodies such as the CCNE or the ACEN, state approval comes from your state’s board of nursing (BON). For example, the Averett University ABSN program is in Norfolk, Virginia, so our state approval comes from the Virginia Board of Nursing.
If the state’s BON approves a nursing program, the program meets state guidelines for quality and safety. It also means that students who graduate from those programs will be eligible for RN licensure. On the other hand, if you attend a program not approved by the state, you may be denied RN licensure by the state BON.
Why Virginia Is a Great Choice for Nursing Education and Nursing Careers
The bottom line is that nursing accreditation is important not only for your education but also for your long-term success as a working nurse. If you choose to study and work in Virginia, you’ll have many opportunities for a successful RN career.
Some of the top reasons why Virginia is a great choice for nursing students and nurses include:
- Salary expectations: As of May 2022, registered nurses in Virginia made a mean annual salary of $81,860.
- Job prospects: Virginia employs many RNs, with 17.95 RNs for every 1,000. That’s higher than many other occupations, reflecting the demand for healthcare professionals.
- Healthcare employers: There are many top hospitals throughout the state. Some of the most highly regarded healthcare facilities include Inova Fairfax Hospital, Virginia Hospital Center, VCU Hospital Center, and Henrico Doctors’ Hospital.
- Quality of life: Virginia ranks high on quality of life metrics. In fact, it’s considered No. 16 in overall rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
When you enroll in the ABSN program at Averett, you can enjoy all that Virginia has to offer while you earn your BSN at an accredited nursing school.
Earn Your BSN at Averett
Now that you know why nursing school accreditation is so important, it’s time to get started. Earning your nursing degree may be the best decision you ever make, preparing you for a rewarding career.
The ABSN program at Averett can help you start a nursing career quickly, letting you earn your BSN in as few as 16 months after completing any needed prerequisites and the admissions process. If you have prior college experience, this program may be just what you need to start a fulfilling new career. We even offer three start dates per year, so you can start soon. While enrolled, you’ll have access to our student support resources, including Academic Success Coaches.
Contact our admissions advisors today to learn more about our accredited ABSN program in Virginia.