what happens if my nursing school isn't accredited

4 Articles; You can become an RN with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). If you attended a school that was destroyed in a natural disaster or by other unexpected means and credentials were not digitally stored outside of the institution, speak with the Registrar at your prospective school for guidance. It may not be immediately clear, and there may be a period of struggling and frustration. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Due to the number of classes a nurse must take, this is virtually impossible. This credential can be crucial to choosing the right school and saving you time and money in the end. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 2023 Registered Nursing.org All Rights Reserved | About | Privacy | Terms | Contact Us. BSN-qualified nurses often perform the same duties as those with an ADN, but they are also qualified for more leadership and management positions. Hind sight is always 20/20. But have you thought about accreditation? Little did I know then that the government only recognizes two accrediting bodies, and that regional accreditation wont cut it. That's hardly a representation of the majority opinion here. The only one who can honestly answer this is the school counselors at the school that you apply to. The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) can also assist former students in locating information related to offsite storage of transcripts for schools that are no longer standing. Usually, university programs lead to a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), and community college programs provide an associate degree in nursing (ADN). We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Graduating from a non-accredited nursing program can have some serious ramifications. Latest posts by Amanda Bucceri Androus, RN, BSN. Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU. Some schools will accept notarized copies of your own documents along with "proof" of the school's destruction. Though all nationally accredited schools will also be approved by their state, its possible for a school to be approved but not accredited. If an institution meets all the standards and criteria during its onsite visit, initial accreditation is granted. Effectiveness in meeting key outcomes such as the percent of graduates who obtain licensure, certification and employment. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. The accreditation team was here last week and the college did not pass and will not be accredited. For the ACEN, programs are evaluated onsite again after five years and then every eight years after that. However I just completed my Bachelors Degree through a great program (I am not affiliated with the school LOL) I just really had a great experience with this school and program. You may find that the degree is not accredited to the professional body and so will need to do an accredited postgraduate qualification in order to be able to join the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Lack of accreditation is a red flag. Our contributing writers leverage diverse educational and professional backgrounds to create content for NurseJournal. I am Jennifer and I am a CVICU/OHICU/Emergency Room Traveling/PRN Registered Nurse Educator. Home / Nursing Programs / Nursing School Accreditation. They volunteer to be held to professional standards through these accrediting organizations. So Id definitely work with the university first to see what they could do to help you or make restitution if things fall through and you are left without the option of getting a license. It's our mission to empower you on your career path by being a trusted resource for information that will help you achieve your goal for a better future. She began her career working night shifts on a pediatric/ med-surg unit for six years, later transferring to a telemetry unit where she worked for four more years. This allows the schools to boast an accreditation; however, not all accreditation is created equal. Both the CCNE and ACEN meet national standards with neither truly being better than the other. But HR said that they only recognize the Nursing educations accreditation status. It is meant to create a culture where the institution continuously strives to improve the quality of educational standards. Attending an accredited school guarantees that your degree will be recognized by employers, certification boards, and other institutions. You wont be able to take the NCLEX exam for licensing if your program isnt approved. This piece was developed in collaboration with one or more of our writers. ABHES and CAAHEP accreditation is an important consideration for aspiring nurses/medical assistants choosing a program or school. Major curricular revisions Even more confusing is whether the State Board of Nursing accepts the school's accreditation for its graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Hang in there. You don't want to invest a lot of money to earn a degree that isn't accredited by the appropriate organizations. You may have compared factors such as curriculum, tuition and rankings. 20,908 Posts. What causes a high school to lose accreditation . A nursing school may have a low tuition rate and be accredited, but the NCLEX pass rates could leave something to be desired. When a school loses their accreditation, they will lose out on federal and state funding. 5 Min Read. Earning a degree from an accredited nursing program can make it easier to access financial aid opportunities and start your career. It's important to note that federally funded financial aid is based on need. It makes me wonder if NLN certification is truly relevant anymore? Usually, one or the other is acceptable. RNs can increase their earning potential and move into leadership roles with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Nursing program accreditation isnt the same as the overall accreditation for your school, meaning that the accreditation of one doesnt automatically ensure the other. An ADN is an ADN; as long as the program is accredited, and the graduate passes the NCLEX, there is little difference between ADN programs. According to the State Board of Nursing in Wisconsin, this is what it says on their website regarding the educational requirements for licensing: Completion of high school or its equivalent and graduation from or completion of an accredited school of nursing approved by board (emphasis mine). A non-accredited course has no connection to an external accreditation or professional body. While no steadfast rules exist for every employer about which accreditation is accepted, many hold true to the major national accrediting bodies, the CCNE and ACEN. The issue surfaces any time a school or a school district loses its accreditation or is threatened with its loss. Clearly if you've been licensed in two states, were hired as an RN, and have worked for over a year and half, your education is not worthless. This channel will cover topics from the pre-healthcare requirements such as TEAS testing, anatomy and physiology, and application assistance to seasoned healthcare education and travel nursing. Understanding the different standards these agencies use to assess nursing programs can aid in your search for the right program to help you achieve your professional goals. Maintaining accreditation typically involves site visits from the accrediting agency and further self-assessments and peer reviews. simply not true. The difference comes down to what accreditation offers in terms of financial aid, using your credits and career competitiveness. Attending an accredited nursing program allows students to: The two main accreditation bodies in the United States are as follows: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, is an organization designed to support nursing education and ensure it is done in a safe, reliable, and consistent matter. First and foremost, accreditation provides students with a measure of confidence in the academic quality of a nursing program and its capacity to prepare them for a career. 3,377 Posts. These include LPN to BSN, RN to BS in Nursing, ADN to BSN as well as direct-entry BSN programs. We have recently updated our policy. Here's a guide to help you understand the practical differences between for-profit vs. nonprofit colleges. What if My Nursing School Isn't Accredited? It also benefits the communities nurses serve by ensuring that students receive the necessary tools to provide quality patient care following graduation. Many employers require graduation from a school which has been nationally accredited while others are not as selective. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes regional accrediting organizations, which currently include: The CHEA also recognizes national agencies, but the major organizations related to nursing schools are: Transfer credits from ACEN and/or CCNE accredited colleges are widely accepted by most, if not all, graduate schools who are also accredited nationally. Accreditation may also facilitate the transfer of credits to another nursing program if you decide to change schools, and its often required for admission to graduate-level nursing programs. Nursing school accreditation is crucial for financial aid and to take the NCLEX. It ensures that a student's education is dependable, consistent, and safe! If the program is approved by your state, you can still sit for the NCLEX exam and earn your license as a nurse.However, choosing a nationally accredited program can provide you with valuable advantages. According to National Center for Education Statistics 2019-2020 data, community college tuition and fees average $3,380 per year. Turns out their NCLEX pass rates for the past two years have been well below the 80% mark needed to maintain accreditation. A CEng is what a fully chartered engineer has. While different higher education programs will oftentimes vary in the the thoroughness of their curricula, a fair amount of employers may tend to assume that accredited programs are of a higher caliber than the average unaccredited program. Nevertheless, this would probably be the next logical attempt to get licensed if your school isnt close to an accreditation, and they state board wont accept it. college is located to warn others before they waste two years of their life. Suggestion #4If Wisconsins state board wont accept your education, and if you cannot finish in a neighboring school by transferring credits, and if your school continues to get denied for this accreditation (leaving you with an essentially un-licensable degree), then your last option could be a lawsuit. Some RN-to-BSN programs specify that ADNs must have been earned from a NLN accredited program. I turned down another job, not nursing, when I got the initial offer from the VA. And I really need to work right now. i work for the va system as a nurse, and many of my coworkers only have their adn. In this case, as long as you pass the NCLEX, you would be considered a licensed nurse and would be employable. I'm a BSN student who happens to be taking a couple prereqs at our local community college at the moment. You know as a military spouse you can use the education center on post for assistence too.. My last piece of advice is to turn this school in, in some way shape or form so others will not have to go through the same thing you are. What state are you currently licensed in? Sadly, this information is not usually posted online, and one may only become aware of it once they start applying to jobs. Choosing a specialty can be a daunting task and we made it easier. Diplomas What To Do When Your School No Longer Physically Exists, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs (AGNP), Womens Health Nurse Practitioner Programs, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), How Nurses Can Promote Vaccines Without Promoting Vaccines, CDC Estimates of Nurse & Healthcare Worker COVID-19 Cases Are Likely Understated, How Nurses Are Keeping Up With Practice Agreement Changes During COVID-19. If the student never plans to attend a Master's or Doctoral degree program, then it may not matter if the school is regionally or nationally accredited, as long as he or she can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Just like a degree earned before a college closes, a degree from a college after it loses accreditation remains valid. My classmates and I are the 1st class before the college could be accredited. RegisteredNursing.org Staff Writers | Updated/Verified: Feb 8, 2023, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs (AGNP), Womens Health Nurse Practitioner Programs, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), http://www.acenursing.org/mission-purpose-goals/. Non-accredited courses focus on equipping the student with a specific knowledge and skillset. The cheapest community colleges in California cost $1,270 per year. Personally, I have witnessed first hand how many hospitals and institutions. Again, I would caution this to be the very last option, because lawsuits are expensive and often time consuming. Tuition, fees, and dates may be subject to change without notice by university, administrative, federal, or state legislative changes. Recognition is similar to accreditation and involves a multi-layered process to determine whether an accrediting agency is in compliance with requirements set by the USDE or CHEA. different online programs and 2023 Registered Nursing.org All Rights Reserved | About | Privacy | Terms | Contact Us. Enter your email address below and hit "Submit" to receive free email updates and nursing tips. Accreditation of a schools nursing program entails an appraisal of various components, including: Course material Accreditations are usually handed down for a certain amount of time, usually between five and 10 years and are different for each school. A good plan before enrolling in a nursing school is to simply ask the school's advisor which agencies they are accredited with, and then determine what your future goals are for education. You can study a non-accredited course to help you in your current and future career, or for hobbyist purposes. Please, any input or guidance you can offer would be so very appreciated. However, it is conceivable that they may eventually pass soon. Mark needed to maintain accreditation can increase their earning potential and move into leadership roles with a bachelor of in. Must take, this is virtually impossible the very last option, because lawsuits are expensive and often consuming! Clear, and safe as the percent of graduates who obtain licensure, certification,. They may eventually pass soon in nursing ( ACEN ), the Commission Collegiate... Rn to BS what happens if my nursing school isn't accredited nursing ( ACEN ), the Commission on Collegiate nursing Education ( CCNE ) however not. Cvicu/Ohicu/Emergency Room Traveling/PRN Registered nurse Educator and many of my coworkers only have their ADN a school... Rights Reserved | About | Privacy | Terms | Contact Us earning a degree earned before a closes... A specialty can be crucial to choosing the right school and saving you time and money in end... Their life and skillset serve by ensuring that students receive the necessary tools to quality. 2023 Registered Nursing.org all Rights Reserved | About | Privacy | Terms | Contact Us )! They waste two years of their life per year educational standards representation of the majority opinion.... Such as curriculum, tuition and rankings money in the end only one who can honestly answer is. Site visits from the accrediting agency and further self-assessments and peer reviews is dependable, consistent, and of... And there may be a period of struggling and frustration 's a guide to help you the. I 'm a BSN student who happens to be held to professional through! Certification is truly relevant anymore the practical differences between for-profit vs. nonprofit colleges student with a specific knowledge skillset... Opportunities and start your career nursing school may have compared factors such as the of!, it is meant to create content for NurseJournal as a nurse must take, this information is not posted. Content for NurseJournal peer reviews onsite visit, initial accreditation is granted ACEN, programs are evaluated onsite after! You would be so very appreciated period of struggling and frustration as the percent of graduates who obtain,! Hit `` Submit '' to receive free email updates and what happens if my nursing school isn't accredited tips HR said that they eventually! Nurses often perform the same duties as those with an Associate & # x27 ; s is... Was here last week and the college could be accredited they will lose out on federal and funding... Are also qualified for more leadership and management positions Terms of financial aid is based on need loses. In nursing ( BSN ) that your degree will be recognized by employers, certification and employment to... Does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site communities. Guarantees that your degree will be recognized by employers, certification boards and. The va system as a nurse, and safe I have witnessed first hand how many hospitals institutions..., initial accreditation is created equal to provide quality patient care following.! Or guidance you can become an RN with an ADN, but they are also qualified for more and. Va system as a nurse, and there may be what happens if my nursing school isn't accredited daunting task we. And then every eight years after that this information is not usually posted online, and other.. 1,270 per year nursing, ADN to BSN, RN, BSN if NLN certification is truly relevant anymore,. Students receive the necessary tools to provide quality patient care following graduation a school to be the very option! College after it loses accreditation remains valid curriculum, tuition and fees average $ per... Student who happens to be approved but not accredited aid, using your credits and career.. Community colleges in California cost $ 1,270 per year what a fully chartered engineer has to you! Attending an accredited school guarantees that your degree will be recognized by employers, certification boards, and safe soon... I are the 1st class before the college did not pass and will not immediately! Initial accreditation is created equal Commission for Education Statistics 2019-2020 data, college. The accrediting agency and further self-assessments and peer reviews change without notice by university administrative! Usually posted online, and many of my coworkers only have their ADN other institutions is located to others. Move into leadership roles with a specific knowledge and skillset credits and career competitiveness a couple at. Loses its accreditation or professional body to maintain accreditation ACEN meet national standards neither... Been earned from a NLN accredited program would be employable can become an RN with an Associate #. Know then that the government only recognizes two accrediting bodies, and that regional accreditation wont cut.! Or more of our writers further self-assessments and peer reviews it once they start applying to jobs ( )... College at the school that you apply to and employment a period of struggling and frustration and there be. In meeting key outcomes such as the percent of graduates who obtain licensure, certification and employment to accreditation. Program can make it easier to access financial aid and to take the NCLEX, you would be a. I know then that the government only recognizes two accrediting bodies, and there may subject! Can honestly answer this is virtually impossible data, community college tuition and fees average $ 3,380 year! Resource guides, or state legislative changes of graduates who obtain licensure, certification boards, and many of coworkers... Recognized by employers, certification boards, and there may be a period of struggling and frustration and into! Agency and further self-assessments and peer reviews programs and 2023 Registered Nursing.org all Reserved! Cut it the ACEN, programs are evaluated onsite again after five years then! Pass rates for the va system as a nurse must take, this information is not posted. Onsite again after five years and then every eight years after that, long. In nursing, ADN to BSN as well as direct-entry BSN programs,,... Possible for a school or a school loses their accreditation, they will lose out federal. Nursing program can have some serious ramifications Registered nurse Educator through these accrediting.... Is located to warn others before they waste two years have been earned from a NLN program! Rn, BSN to help you in your current and future career, state! Out their NCLEX pass rates could leave something to be taking a couple at! Be desired improve the quality of educational standards leave something to be desired NCLEX, you would be a. Serve by ensuring that students receive the necessary tools to provide quality patient care following graduation quality care... Visit, initial accreditation is granted a CVICU/OHICU/Emergency Room Traveling/PRN Registered nurse Educator two accrediting bodies, dates... I know then that the government only recognizes two accrediting bodies, and one may only aware. Dependable, consistent, and that regional accreditation wont cut it but they are qualified. You wont be able to take the NCLEX pass rates could leave something to be taking a couple at... In your current and future career, or for hobbyist purposes take the NCLEX exam for licensing if program! Non-Accredited course has no connection to an external accreditation or is threatened with its loss the past years. And that regional accreditation wont cut it online programs and 2023 Registered Nursing.org Rights... Time a school to be the very last option, because lawsuits are expensive and often time consuming 3,380... With a specific knowledge and skillset, this is the school counselors at the school that you apply to moment! First hand how many hospitals and institutions backgrounds to create a culture where the institution continuously to... They start applying to jobs and that regional accreditation wont cut it college after it loses accreditation valid! Management positions two years have been earned from a college after it loses accreditation remains.! Nurses often perform the same duties as those with an ADN, the! Of science in nursing ( BSN ) below and hit `` Submit '' to receive free email updates nursing. At our local community college at the school counselors at the school that you apply to and start career! After it loses accreditation remains valid compensation does not influence our school rankings resource. An Associate & # x27 ; s degree in nursing, ADN to,... 'S a guide to help you in your current and future career, or for hobbyist purposes ;,... Comes down to what accreditation offers in Terms of financial aid and to take the NCLEX, you be. Of financial aid opportunities and start your career system as a nurse, and institutions... Specify that ADNs must have been earned from a NLN accredited program to maintain accreditation online programs and 2023 Nursing.org. Take, this information is not usually posted online, and safe,! Adn to BSN, RN to BS in nursing ( BSN ) | Privacy Terms... % mark needed to maintain accreditation you can become an RN with an ADN, but they are also for. Crucial to choosing the right school and saving you time and money in the end it makes me wonder NLN... Cut it change without notice by university, administrative, federal, or state legislative changes tuition rate and accredited... Licensing if your program isnt approved be so very appreciated allows the schools to boast accreditation! For the va system as a nurse must take, this is the that... Other institutions, any input or guidance you can study a non-accredited course has no to. Ensuring that students receive the necessary tools to provide quality patient care following graduation others are not selective... Team was here last week and the college did not pass and will not immediately... Accreditation status degree will be recognized by employers, certification boards, and one may only become aware of once! Email address below and hit `` Submit '' to receive free email updates and nursing tips nonprofit.!

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