Learning about accredited BSN programs

Entering a graduate degree course like a BSN Program is a great idea if you want to have a certified career in nursing. But how do you pick the best and most reliable course for your requirements? How do you realize just how a college is accredited and with whom?

Learning about accreditation

Accreditation of a nursing institute means that the institute provides recognized training to students. The method of teaching and syllabus is up to industry standards and students who pass out from the institute are properly oriented in their theory knowledge of nursing. No nursing course is complete without clinical training. The accreditation process is also one way of guaranteeing to students and hiring institutes that the student has the required technical and hands-on knowledge in the clinical aspects of nursing. Accreditation also registers the course as a good course with the government. Students who study at these recognized institutes are eligible for federal funding for future studies as well as for scholarships. Employers also prefer to have students from recognized institutes who teach an industry- recognized curriculum with wide spread clinical expertise.

Which are the accrediting bodies for nursing?

At present, there are two national accreditation organizations which are responsible for accrediting the nursing education programs in the entire country. They are:

1. The National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) is just one accreditation program which deals with the accreditation of all nursing education programs as well as several undergraduate, post graduate and associates programs.
2. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is the other organization which deals with the accreditation process of only master's and baccalaureate nursing degrees.

Each separate undergraduate and post graduate nursing degree like a Nurse Anesthetist and Nurse Midwife programs will have separate accreditation systems to deal with accreditation. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) also deals with the accreditation of nurse programs at all stages.

All accreditation programs have the same criteria to certify learning institutes. They judge curriculum, teaching practices, staffing and patient attendance to make sure that the students are getting their money's worth.

How to find if your short listed college is recognized?

Several nursing colleges are not accredited or are in the process of accreditation. One good way of checking whether your college is accredited is by checking with the sites mentioned above and then typing in the college's name. Please enroll only in colleges that have been accredited already. Even if the college does not have accreditation and are in the process of getting it remember that you cannot sit for your NCLEX examination for a degree certification.