Why ACEN Accreditation

Why ACEN Accreditation Matters

ACEN accreditation indicates to the general public and to the educational community that a nursing program has clear and appropriate educational objectives and is working to achieve these objectives.

By meeting the ACEN Standards and Criteria for accreditation, ACEN-accredited programs demonstrate that their graduates are prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to positive outcomes in public health.

Benefits of Accreditation

ACEN accreditation is a peer-review process intended to enhance quality improvement in nursing education. Accreditation:

  • Aids in student recruitment.
  • Provides students useful information for career and education decision-making.
  • Enables students’ eligibility for funding support from federal and state agencies, and foundations.
  • Is required by many nursing programs for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs.
  • Is required by some state regulatory agencies.
  • Assists employers seeking graduates who are competent practitioners.
  • Facilitates the transfer of credit using the following considerations:
  • the educational quality of the institution from which the student transfers;
  • the comparability of the nature, content, and level of credit earned from the programs offered by the receiving college or program;
  • and the appropriateness and applicability of the credit earned from the programs offered by the receiving college in light of the student’s educational goals.
  • Heightens faculty members’ and administrators’ awareness and responsiveness to areas needing improvement.
  • Offers professional development opportunity and validation for faculty.