When you begin the process of looking for a quality nursing school to attend, there are several factors you will need to consider in order to choose the right one. Not only should you consider the school’s academic quality, reputation, affordability and location, but you should also make sure that you choose a school that is accredited as well.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a voluntary process that colleges and universities undergo so that their students, faculty and community can feel confident knowing that the school provides a quality higher education. If a school is accredited, that means that the school has been compared to the strict standards of an accrediting agency and the agency has given the school its stamp of approval. Accreditation is not required by law, but all quality schools will seek to become accredited.
Both entire colleges and their individual programs can become accredited, and it is not uncommon to find schools that have been accredited by multiple accreditation agencies. Schools and their programs can often obtain accreditation at the state, regional and national level.
Why is Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is important because it is a sign that the students who attend there receive a quality education. Anyone can start a college and hand out degrees to students whether they deserve them or not. Only those colleges that have demonstrated academic quality and excellent programs can receive accreditation, however.
Students who earn degrees from an accredited college or university have an easier time getting admitted into higher nursing degree programs. They qualify for more college scholarships. They are also more likely to be hired as a nurse, since employers will usually choose a job candidate from an accredited school.
How Do Schools Become Accredited?
When a school seeks to become accredited, the school initiates the process by requesting the written standards of the accrediting agency it wishes to be accredited by. There are two national nursing accreditation agencies: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Then, the school evaluates its program and takes the steps necessary for the program to meet the agency’s strict standards. Once the school feels it has met the agency’s standards, a school representative will call the agency to come and evaluate the school. If the school passes its evaluation, it receives the agency’s seal of approval. Schools must be re-accredited every few years.
How Can I Know If My Nursing School Is Accredited?
Because receiving an accreditation is a sign that a school is high-quality, schools who have received accreditation are proud to show them off. Check your school’s website. You will probably find a link right on the home page that says “Accreditation.” This is a great place to see what accreditation the school as a whole has received.
Then, find the page for your particular nursing program and look for accreditation specific to the program. If your school’s nursing program is accredited, it will be listed here, possibly with a picture of an agency’s seal of approval.
A school’s website is not the only place you can see if they have received accreditation. If the school has sent you any pamphlets or informational material about the nursing program you are considering, the accreditation information will probably be listed on them as well, if there is any. You can also call the school and ask.
If you are not sure which school you want to attend, but you know you want to find one that is accredited, you can see a list of accredited schools on The American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s website. You can search through the listings by institution, state or type of degree program until you find a program that you would like to research further.
While you do not have to earn a degree from an accredited university in order to find a job in nursing, it is always a smart move to choose a university with a quality, accredited program. Then, you can be assured that your education was well worth the time and money you spent on it and your future employer can be assured that she is hiring a knowledgeable, competent nursing professional.