The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by providing specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs. The ACEN is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization, and participation in its accreditation process is voluntary.
The ACEN is recognized as an accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The ACEN is one of the largest specialized accrediting agencies, accrediting nursing programs throughout the United States, its territories, and internationally.
As the leader in nursing education accreditation, the goal of the ACEN is to be a supportive partner in strengthening the quality of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs.
The ACEN supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the functions of accreditation. Accreditation is a peer-review, 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. Accreditation also assists in the further improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved. The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession.
The purpose of the ACEN is to provide specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs located in the United States, U.S. Territories, and internationally.
The ACEN accredits nursing education programs of all degree levels and transition-to-practice programs.
Currently, specialized accreditation for pre-licensure nursing programs is voluntary in some states; however, many states mandate that a nursing program be accredited. Most states where specialized accreditation for nursing programs is required mandate that the accrediting agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). ACEN is recognized by the ED and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and is the only ED and CHEA-recognized accrediting agency that accredits all types of nursing programs – practical, diploma, associate, baccalaureate, master’s including post master’s certificate, and clinical doctorate including DNP specialist certificate nursing programs.
Transition to practice (TTP) is a critical time during which a nurse develops the skills and attitudes necessary for autonomous nursing practice within their level of licensure. ACEN TTP accreditation promotes excellence in nursing and patient outcomes through established policies, procedures, and processes that are transparent, guided by peers and contemporary practice, and have an intentional focus on outcomes.
The ACEN and ARC-PA have partnered to offer Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant (NP&PA) Residency Program Accreditation. This joint endeavor reflects the organizations’ shared commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and excellence in clinical specialty training.
Visit nppa-accredit.org for more information or to begin the accreditation process.
The ACEN is recognized as an accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) reviews national, regional, and specialized accreditors that oversee federal funding eligibility to ensure that the accrediting body meets specific standards established by Congress. Students in institutions or programs accredited by a ED-recognized agency are eligible for federal financial aid assistance and other needed resources. For more information, visit the ED website.
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
CHEA is a U.S. association of degree-granting colleges and universities and recognizes institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations. For more information, visit the CHEA website.
The ACEN is governed by a 17-member Board of Commissioners (BOC). The Commissioners are elected by the representatives of ACEN-accredited nursing programs.
The legal basis for the foundation and structure of the Commission is outlined in the Bylaws and the Articles of Incorporation. The ACEN is incorporated under the laws of the state of New York.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by providing specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
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