how do i get my course accredited for nurses

by Bettye Hammes 5 min read

An RN degree (sometimes an advanced degree, like an MSN ), an unencumbered RN license, a minimum number of direct-care hours in the specialty, and a certification test are usually all required for a nurse to become certified in an area of care.

Full Answer

What accreditation do nursing schools have?

RN.com is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC). RN.com's online continuing nursing education programs are also approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses (CA Provider #12631), by the Florida Board of Nursing (FL Provider # 50-1706 ...

What are the requirements for obtaining a nursing certification?

Relias LLC is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider # CEP13791. Relias LLC's continuing education (CE) contact hours are generally accepted by most professional …

How do I recertify as a nurse?

Registered Nurse Certifications. To become a registered nurse (RN), you must have either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a school …

How do I renew my nursing certification?

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Program will give you the opportunity to advance your nursing career and prove your ability to provide the best patient …

What accreditation is best for nursing?

ACENWhen choosing an online nursing degree program, experts say, prospective students should check that it's accredited by either the CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or ACEN.

What is the accreditation process in nursing?

Accreditation is a review process that evaluates nursing training programs. It is based on best practices and established quality standards. This process is necessary to ensure students receive the right education for their professional field.

How do you become ANCC-accredited?

Steps to EligibilityUse the NCPD Accreditation Self-Assessment Tool to assess your readiness to apply.Download the ANCC NCPD Accredited Provider Applicant Journey Guide and operate according to ANCC criteria for 6 months.Download the Writing to the ANCC NCPD Accreditation Criteria Self-Learning Guide.More items...

Why is it important for nursing programs to be accredited?

In nursing, the purpose of accreditation is to ensure that nursing education programs across the United States are being held to common standards of quality. This furthers the profession and greatly enhances the overall quality of care administered by nurses.

What are the different types of accreditation?

There are three main types of accreditation: national, regional, and specialized accreditation that apply to certain academic programs.

What does CCNE accreditation mean?

CCNE accreditation is a nongovernmental peer review process that operates in accordance with nationally recognized standards established for the practice of accreditation in the United States and its territories.

Is ANCC the same as CEU?

A CEU is an educational measurement utilizing criteria from the International Association for Continuing Education and Training. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) does not use the CEU to measure continuing nursing education credit.

How much does ANA membership cost?

Join ANA and Your State Nurses Association Today for only $15 a month.

How long is ANCC certification good for?

every 5 yearsANCC certification is renewed every 5 years to provide evidence of the expansion of professional knowledge and evidence of continued competence in your certification specialty.

What is the difference between accredited and approved?

Accreditation looks at the quality of the program and how the program is carried out to see whether it meets the standards of the profession. Approval is based on the specifications of the state's Nursing Practice Act for the purpose of protecting both students and the public.

Is Nightingale college nationally accredited?

Nightingale College is nationally accredited through ABHES, a health care education accrediting agency. Each of our programs is also programmatically accredited. Our ADN Program is accredited by the ACEN, and our RN-to-BSN Program is accredited by CCNE.

What does pre accredited mean?

Pre-accreditation status refers to when a program or school is currently in the process of pursuing accreditation and is likely to receive full accreditation soon. A school can advertise its pre-accreditation status once the accrediting agency tells the institution it has met all requirements.

What is the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing?

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is a national accrediting body and is able to provide accreditation to schools offering diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's, and Post-Bachelor's degrees. Visit the ACEN website for more information.

What is CCNE accreditation?

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a national accrediting body associated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, providing accreditation for Bachelor's, graduate, and residency nursing programs. Visit the CCNE website for more information.

What is accreditation in schools?

Schools who hold accreditation are required to uphold a certain standard as defined by the accrediting body. They volunteer to be held to professional standards through these accrediting organizations.

What is the NCLEX RN exam?

Before starting a nursing school program, it's important to double and triple check with the State Board of Nursing that the school is accepted and that graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed in his or her state.

Does accreditation matter for nursing schools?

In some areas, accreditation may not matter with employers at all. Sadly, this information is not usually posted online, and one may only become aware of it once they start applying to jobs. Contacting the Human Resources department of a possible future employer and asking may be wise if accreditation matters to their facility. To be on the safe side, it's always best to choose a properly accredited nursing school.

Do employers require graduation from accredited schools?

Many employers require graduation from a school which has been nationally accredited while others are not as selective. Also, most, if not all, graduate programs pay special attention to accreditation and only accept transfer credits from programs with this accreditation.

Do hospitals accept accreditation?

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. Many large hospitals will only accept education from CCNE or ACEN-accredited schools, but smaller hospitals or non-hospitals may not be as strict.

Is each course approved separately?

Note: Each course is approved separately. Please see each course for details of the approvals that apply to that course during a specific timeframe.

Is RN.com state required?

RN.com offers many state required courses. The courses in the State Required category are approved separately. Please see each state section on the course list for details and applicable approval numbers.

Is RN.com a continuing education provider?

Nurses. RN.com is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC). RN.com's online continuing nursing education programs are also approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses (CA Provider #12631), by the Florida Board of Nursing ...

Does RN.com report courses?

RN.com automatically reports your completed courses to CE Broker on a weekly basis.

Does ANCC accept CE?

Most professional nursing organizations and state boards of nursing accept ANCC accredited courses. However, if you are unsure, please contact your professional organization or license authority to confirm if they will accept these CE contact hours.

What certifications do you need to become a registered nurse anesthetist?

Certified registered nurse anesthetists must complete a nurse anesthesia graduate program accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), and pass the certification test administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

What are the different types of nursing certifications?

Some certifications are based on career level, with specific certifications for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) holders and other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), some for Registered Nurses (RN), some for Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) and more. Other certifications are based on specialization, like surgery, oncology, pediatrics and others. Your nursing journey will depend on your career goals and interests, and we hope this guide will help you decide which certification is best for you.

How to become a CNA without a degree?

You may obtain certification as a CNA without a degree by completing an approved training program and passing a skills exam.

How often do nurse practitioners need to renew their license?

Recertification or renewals vary depending on specialty and may range from every year to every five years.

Why is it important to have a nursing certification?

Nursing certifications ensure that nurses have the requisite education, experience and skills to care for patients and improve health outcomes. Having certain nursing certifications can help you secure a job, prepare for leadership roles and advance your nursing career.

What are the specialty areas for APRN?

Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP

What does it mean to be a nurse?

A career in nursing means you’ll have a heavy hand in improving the lives and quality of care for patients across the lifespan. Make sure to do your research and prepare yourself adequately for any certifications you want to obtain.

What is an ANCC certification?

The ANCC Certification Program enables nurses to demonstrate their specialty expertise and validate their knowledge to employers and patients. Through targeted exams that incorporate the latest clinical practices, ANCC certification empowers nurses with pride and professional satisfaction.

What is ana resources?

ANA has a wide range of affordable resources to suit your style of learning including test-preparation workshops, webinars, and on-demand courses. These resources will give you extra confidence and help you to achieve your ANCC certification.

What is required to become a nurse?

An RN degree (sometimes an advanced degree, like an MSN ), an unencumbered RN license, a minimum number of direct-care hours in the specialty, and a certification test are usually all required for a nurse to become certified in an area of care. Nurses should also keep in mind that certification renewals will be required to keep them up-to-date; a certification is usually good for a few years until re-certification is necessary, and may require some continuing education credits and/or clinical practice hours.

What does a certification in nursing mean?

Certifications, whether required for licensure and employment or not, add value to an RN's role and resume. They signify the commitment to lifelong learning and the delivery of quality, specialized nursing care.

What certifications are required for APRN?

Earning certification in a specific care area is usually required for licensure as an APRN. These are typically in the form of board certifications, and usually have the abbreviation "BC" in the title (for example, a board-certified family nurse practitioner is an FNP-BC). Some specialties don't require certifications, although having one demonstrates that the nurse or APRN has received further education in the care of specific patients, and is considered an "expert" in the field. Also, while not always required for licensure, some employers require specific certification depending on their role. Many nurses find that having certification in their specialty of choice only enhances employment opportunities, whether it's a hard requirement or not.

What is APRN certification?

Certification can be as broad as adult/gerontology, or as specialized as pediatric oncology. It's important to note that a nursing certification is different from a post-master's certificate program, where a master's-prepared RN receives the necessary education to enter an entirely new advanced specialty without having to complete an additional full-length nursing program.

How long is a nurse's certification good for?

Nurses should also keep in mind that certification renewals will be required to keep them up-to-date; a certification is usually good for a few years until re-certification is necessary, and may require some continuing education credits and/or clinical practice hours.

Do nurses need certification?

Also, while not always required for licensure, some employers require specific certification depending on their role. Many nurses find that having certification in their specialty of choice only enhances employment opportunities, whether it's a hard requirement or not.

What to consider when seeking accreditation?

If you seek accreditation, consider the costs involved and whether you will be able to generate enough income to cover them.

What is continuing education in nursing?

The ANCC defines continuing education as "systematic professional learning experiences designed to augment the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nurses and therefore enrich the nurses' contributions to quality health care and their pursuit of professional career goals.".

How to get CE approval?

Although requirements vary by state, there are generally three ways to obtain approval for your CE: • Enter into an agreement with an existing CE Provider to co-sponsor your activity. Request approval for a single activity through your state nurses association or regional CE Provider.

What is a nurse CE?

A nurse is responsible--ethically and statutorily--for her continued competence and professional growth. As a Continuing Education (CE) Provider, you will be similarly obligated to promote safe nursing practices and protect the public by developing and presenting quality, research-based educational activities. Nursing and technology have advanced since continuing education courses were broadcast on radio in the 1920s; you will have more options, more guidelines . . . and more opportunity.

When did nursing and technology become more advanced?

Nursing and technology have advanced since continuing education courses were broadcast on radio in the 1920s; you will have more options, more guidelines . . . and more opportunity.

What are the criteria for successful completion and assessment of the participant's learning?

Establish criteria for successful completion and assessment of the participant's learning, such as: • Attendance sheet Post-test Skills demonstration Self-evaluation

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What Is Accreditation?

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Accreditation is defined as "...a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality" (http://www.acenursing.org/mission-purpose-goals/). Schools who hold accredita…
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Regional Accreditation

  • Nursing schools can be accredited regionally, nationally, or both. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes regional accrediting organizations, which currently include: 1. Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges 2. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) 3. Higher Lea…
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National Accreditation

  • The CHEA also recognizes national agencies, but the major organizations related to nursing schools are: 1. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is a national accrediting body and is able to provide accreditation to schools offering diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's, and Post-Bachelor's degrees. Visit the ACEN websitefor more info...
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Accreditation For Advancing Education

  • Transfer credits from ACEN and/or CCNE accredited colleges are widely accepted by most, if not all, graduate schools who are also accredited nationally. However, transferring credits from a regionally accredited school to a nationally accredited school, and vice versa, is less desirable by colleges. Many colleges will not accept the credits at all. A good plan before enrolling in a nursin…
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Accreditation For Employment

  • 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. Many large hospitals will only accept education from CCNE or ACEN-accredited schools, but smaller hospitals or non-hospitals may not be as strict. In some areas, accreditation may not matter with employers at all…
See more on registerednursing.org

NCLEX-RN Qualifications

  • Before starting a nursing school program, it's important to double and triple check with the State Board of Nursing that the school is accepted and that graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examto become licensed in his or her state. What a terrible surprise to find out that one can't obtain a nursing license after graduating from nursing school. Students need to be diligent and r…
See more on registerednursing.org