Approved vs. Accredited Nursing Programs: Key Differences Explained

Accrediting and approving nurse education programs are necessary for nursing and LPN schools to meet accreditation standards. Here is a quick guide to describe approved vs accredited nursing program in brief:-

Approved vs Accredited Nursing Program

1. LPN accreditation is a nationwide self-regulatory process. Whereas approval is a state-based accreditation process. The national accreditation agencies assess candidate programs across the country. State Boards of Nursing (BONs) evaluate programs within their states.
2. A national accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education accredits a program. It does this to maintain high standards of education and provide service to the general public in various settings. Meanwhile, approval is the responsibility of the state Board of Nursing (BON). It ensures that all laws are followed in the field of nursing.
3. Accreditation examines the quality and execution of the nursing courses and nursing curriculum to determine if it is up to the profession’s common standards. The state’s Nursing Practice Act is used to approve the practice program. This act protects both students and the public
4. Students are not required to have LPN accreditation to take the National Council Licensure Examination. However, BON approval is required. Accreditation is also granted to accredited schools that the state has approved.
5. Licenses can be obtained through the state BON. A nurse must be licensed to practice as a nurse in that state’s healthcare industry to get clinical practice experience. A nursing education program can give you certification or join a professional organization. While certification is a sign of high achievement in a particular field, it does not confer a license to practice in the nursing profession.

Nursing School Accreditation: The Importance

Accreditation is voluntary. To be accredited, a nursing program must apply for LPN accreditation. Accreditation benefits the best nursing colleges in Illinois because it tells the public that they have a legitimate program that meets high standards in the nursing profession.

The U.S. Department of Education authorizes three national organizations for the accreditation of nursing programs.

Related:- What Courses Can Be Taken at LPN Schools? Here’s What You May Expect

1. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits practical nursing programs, Diploma programs, associate programs, bachelor’s, master’s, and clinical doctorate programs.
2. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs.
3. The Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation will begin to accredit all basic levels of programs. These include the diploma, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels of nursing practice.

Nursing students and professionals must be accredited by the parent educational institution and the academic program to receive options such as financial aid programs or transfer credits to other accredited institutions. Graduate programs require a student to have a nursing degree from an approved LPN program.

State Boards of Nursing and Education

BONs are state-level agencies that regulate nursing practice in the healthcare industry. They approve programs that meet specific educational requirements. They also issue licenses to nurses who comply with established clinical requirements. They hold nurses with clinical experience in clinical settings responsible for their professional conduct and compliance with legal and ethical standards. They monitor state laws and take disciplinary action against anyone who breaks them.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing is working to alleviate the shortage of nurses in some areas of the nation and to make it easier for nurses to transfer between states. This compact allows nurses to have a single multistate license that will enable them to practice their nursing jobs in all of the compact conditions for their careers in nursing.

How to Determine a Nursing Program’s Approval and LPN Accreditation?

While searching for licensed practical nurse programs near me to achieve future career goal as a nurse practitioner, you can also check schools’ LPN accreditation status at the ACEN site. This site is for all levels of classes. The CCNE site is for baccalaureate and graduate programs.

Get Your Nursing Career Training Readiness Score Now!

Conclusion

The state BONs usually post a list of a wide variety of approved vs accredited nursing programs on their website. NCSBN provides contact information and links to each state’s website. LPN students can check these resources to find programs that meet the required classes and quality nursing education standards.