In November 2018, we announced our Bachelor of Nursing program had become accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). But what exactly does this mean, and why is it important to nurses pursuing an online nursing degree from the University of Arizona Global Campus? Here’s what you should know about CCNE accreditation.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at the University of Arizona Global Campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791.
What is CCNE accreditation?
CCNE is the abbreviation for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, which is a national accrediting agency that is officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) founded CCNE in 1996, and CCNE began its accreditation functions in 1998. CCNE reviews universities and colleges that are already regionally or nationally accredited. Baccalaureate and graduate nursing degree programs, including those that offer distance and online learning, can receive CCNE accreditation
According to CCNE, the organization “ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing” and “serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices."
What is the value of CCNE accreditation?
Attending a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online degree program that has received CCNE accreditation offers many benefits. Hospitals and other healthcare employers want employees who have completed an accredited program because they know that graduates of a CCNE-accredited nursing degree program will have a high level of nursing knowledge and skill.
CCNE accreditation can also help to provide a path toward future opportunities and educational advancement for nurses. A nurse who plans to pursue a master’s degree in nursing must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program. One step toward achieving that long-term goal is to first complete a CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN program, such as the one offered at the University of Arizona Global Campus.
In addition, accreditation benefits the community, in that it elevates the standards in the nursing profession and provides the community with highly trained and educated nurses.
How can I earn a CCNE accredited degree?
Whether you are a registered nurse who possesses an associate degree or nursing diploma and want to broaden your professional skills and expand your career options, or you are interested in a stepping stone for your future graduate study in nursing, the University of Arizona Global Campus CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is an ideal option for students seeking to enhance their credentials. The online RN to BSN degree program focuses on developing your technology skills and the personal skills required to meet the needs of the patient population.
Upon completion of the BSN degree, you will be ready to practice using advocacy, autonomy, accountability, ethics, and respect. Earning your bachelor’s degree in nursing will allow you to:
- Promote better patient outcomes
- Practice in more healthcare settings
- Have better job opportunities
- Serve in leadership positions
- Take graduate courses
Each course in the University of Arizona Global Campus online BS in nursing program is 5 weeks, and students take one course at a time, allowing the flexibility to do school work anywhere, anytime. The major course requirements include 42 credits, all of which are 3 credits. Students with an associate degree or diploma-prepared registered nurses who are interested in enhancing their professional nursing career with the RN to BSN degree can enroll in this program. To learn more, speak to an enrollment services advisor today.
Let your BSN online degree program work for you when you choose a nursing program with CCNE accreditation. Learn about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Arizona Global Campus.
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Written by Gwen Morse, PhD, MSN, RN, Professor and Chair of the RN to BSN degree program.
Resource
CCNE Accreditation (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE