The Importance of Obtaining a Nursing Degree From an Accredited Program
High-quality patient care depends on properly trained and educated nursing staff. For licensed and registered nurses, that means graduating from an accredited nursing degree program. Accreditation assures employers and patients that a nurse’s education meets certain standards required for licensing. It also signifies that a licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner (NP) has received adequate training and preparation to work within a clinical setting.
Benefits of Attending an Accredited Nursing Degree Program
Accredited nursing degree programs provide a number of benefits to students. First and foremost, obtaining a nursing license is dependent on graduating from an accredited program. Attending an accredited school is also critical in terms of securing a job, as prospective employers will look to see if candidates have graduated from an accredited nursing degree program as a way to verify their knowledge and competence.
Another major benefit to students is that accrediting organizations verify whether a nursing program is in compliance with the Higher Education Reauthorization Act Title IV eligibility and certification. Accredited nursing schools are approved for federal financial aid, which means that students attending them are eligible for government grants and loans, as well as private scholarships.
Accreditation also ensures a high quality of education, as nursing schools must submit to periodic program evaluations conducted by an independent group of qualified peers. The accrediting body reviews whether or not a school is meeting educational standards, and grants or renews accreditation only for nursing degree programs that meet those standards. In addition, choosing an accredited school is important for students who wish to transfer credits from one nursing degree program to another.
Accreditation Ensures a Quality Nursing Curriculum
All accrediting organizations look for certain qualities within an accredited nursing degree program. For example, they review whether the curriculum adequately prepares students for clinical practice. This means verifying that the curriculum follows nursing standards and guidelines, incorporates nursing research and best practices, allows students to practice in learning environments that support program objectives, focuses on patient health and safety, and teaches students how to work with diverse patient populations.
Experienced Faculty and Learning Resources
Qualified teaching staff is essential to a good nursing degree program. Accrediting organizations verify that a school’s faculty has the appropriate training and credentials to teach nursing to students. It also looks at a program's learning resources, making sure that the tools and technology are up-to-date, comprehensive and readily accessible to both students and faculty. Students can be assured of the quality of faculty and resources within accredited nursing degree programs.
Choosing an Accredited Nursing Degree Program
For the reasons outlined above, accreditation is a vital consideration in any nursing degree program, whether it’s an associate’s degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or doctorate.
If you’re just starting out in nursing, an associate’s degree may be your first step – in which case you should look for an accredited nursing degree program that will allow you to transfer credits into a BSN program at a future date.
Perhaps you’ve already earned your RN license, and are looking for a degree that will enhance your career opportunities. You should seek out an accredited RN to BSN degree program that will grant credit for your current valid nursing license and transfer credits for prior coursework. Many employers prefer to hire BSN-educated nurses to handle a diverse set of job duties. A BSN will allow you to work in various areas of specialization, and proves that you have the training and education to take on roles of increasing responsibility.
An accredited MSN degree program can put you on track for a rewarding position in administration or education. An MSN in Nursing Administration opens the door to managerial and executive positions such as director of nursing or chief nursing officer (CNO), while an MSN in Nursing education can lead to a nurse educator position within a nursing school or a professorship at a college or university.
Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree Online From Jacksonville University
To bring quality nursing education to RNs across the country and around the globe, Jacksonville University offers its acclaimed BSN and MSN programs through a 100% online classroom. Ranked one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, Jacksonville University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its nationally recognized School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
If you’re looking for an accredited nursing degree program that will accommodate your busy schedule and position you for the best job opportunities, consider earning your RN to BSN, MSN in Nursing Administration or MSN in Nursing Education online from Jacksonville University.
