Why You Need a CCNE Accredited Nursing Program

Choosing a nursing school is exciting, and you want to make sure that you’re going to a good one. But how can you tell if a school is as great as it seems?

This is where the accreditation comes in.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an accrediting institution that sets a high standard of excellence for nursing degree programs. Nursing employers trust (and hire!) graduates from CCNE accredited nursing programs, and students can trust them, too. Joyce’s CCNE accredited BSN programs meet or exceed rigorous qualification standards for curriculum, faculty, student support, and more.

What is CCNE Accreditation?

CCNE accreditation means that a nursing program meets high standards and is committed to continual improvement. Think of CCNE accreditation as a seal of approval from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), which establishes guidelines and standards for nursing education across America. CCNE accredited programs have been vetted as quality nursing programs that will set students up for success during and after school.

The Benefits of CCNE Accreditation

CCNE accreditation is a great way to make sure that your program meets a high standard of education. It’s important to choose a CCNE accredited program because it indicates to your future employers that you have a quality nursing education. If you’re looking into how to get a BSN degree, consider looking for a CCNE accredited program like Joyce’s.

Because CCNE is a national accreditation and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, attending a CCNE accredited nursing program makes you eligible for federal financial aid.

Another benefit of choosing a CCNE accredited nursing program like Joyce’s BSN program is that it will prepare you for the NCLEX, which is the test all nursing students have to pass in order to become nurses . In fact, nurses in some states aren’t even allowed to take the NCLEX if they don’t attend a CCNE or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited nursing program.

Comparing CCNE vs. ACEN Accreditation

Both CCNE and ACEN accreditation are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. So what’s the difference between CCNE and ACEN accreditation? ACEN accredited programs can include all kinds of nursing programs, from LPN diplomas to DNP degrees and everything in between. The CCNE only accredits BSN and MSN programs, with a tighter focus on continual improvement.

Neither CCNE nor ACEN accreditation is inherently better than the other, and both will indicate to future employers that you’ve received a quality nursing education. You can also earn a BSN from both CCNE and ACEN accredited programs.

Some hospitals require their nurses hold a BSN degree or higher and nurses who graduate from Joyce’s CCNE accredited BSN program and MSN program are well-prepared to fill those high-demand nursing roles.

CCNE Accreditation Process and Requirements

The CCNE accreditation process is rigorous — not every nursing program that applies is approved. CCNE accreditation is designed to hold programs and institutions accountable to their students, faculty, and the communities they serve.

The process begins with a letter of intent to the CCNE stating that the nursing program would like to be assessed. After that, CCNE officials will schedule an on-site evaluation, during which they’ll go over up to 90 pages of information about the program, institution, faculty, student outcomes, curriculum, syllabi, that the nursing faculty and administration have written and provided to the CCNE accreditors. The evaluators also meet with and interview students, faculty, alumni, and relevant community members.

Programs that meet the CCNE accreditation requirements and pass the evaluation are awarded accredited status. CCNE accreditation standards include:

• High levels of faculty proficiency
• Up-to-date curriculum
• Graduation requirements
• Institutional efficiency
• Student support

CCNE accreditation is good for five years, after which programs have to submit continuing improvement reports to stay accredited. Joyce University’s BSN program underwent their accreditation and approval in 2023, which means that this program will be CCNE accredited until 2028, when the accreditation process will take place again. You want to make sure that the nursing program you choose maintains high standards so that it will stay CCNE accredited during your graduation year and beyond.

Getting and staying accredited is no small feat, and we’re proud of our CCNE accredited BSN, aBSN, and RN-BSN programs.

How does CCNE Accreditation Impact Joyce University’s BSN Program?

CCNE accreditation “ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency/fellowship programs in nursing. CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices.” Excellence in education has always been a value at Joyce University, which is why earning CCNE accreditation further emphasizes our dedication to quality curriculum within our BSN and MSN programs.

Because employers only hire graduates from accredited nursing schools, our accredited status makes it easier for Joyce nurses to get great jobs. This further increases the value of a Joyce University education. Our CCNE accreditation also contributes to Joyce’s rank among the top nursing schools in the US in 2023.

The CCNE has high standards for BSN programs called CCNE BSN essentials. These standards focus on innovative nursing education based around the CCNE BSN essentials. Our curriculum is designed to teach nurses how to research and stay at the cutting edge of nursing care. CCNE BSN essentials establish a clear purpose, which aligns with Joyce’s BSN program targeted goals and learning outcomes. The Joyce University’s BSN, aBSN, and RN-BSN programs meet standards set by the AACN – the governing body over CCNE.

Why Choose Joyce University’s CCNE Accredited BSN Programs

CCNE BSN programs at Joyce

Joyce University’s programs are all designed by and for nurses, with speed and flexibility in mind. Our CCNE accredited RN to BSN program is only four semesters long and has flexible online options to accommodate working professionals, because you shouldn’t have to put your career on pause to deepen your nursing practice.

Our CCNE accredited Accelerated BSN program can be completed in as few as 20 months and a majority of the coursework is online and flexible. This is a great fast track to enter the nursing field if you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Joyce’s CCNE accredited BSN program is the perfect choice if you don’t have prior college experience because there are no college-level prerequisites required prior to enrollment, and you can practice in just three years. You’ll learn everything you need to know about nursing through blended online and in-person courses while also completing all of your general education courses at the same time.

Benefits of a Joyce Education

Joyce University is committed to excellence and continual innovation through our CCNE accreditation. Joyce’s professors are masters and doctorate-prepared and highly qualified, and many have decades of wisdom and clinical experience under their belts.

Our curriculum’s focus on research prevents our nurses from ever getting stuck in outdated nursing methods. Joyce BSN graduates are prepared to shape the nursing field as leaders. Our curriculum also emphasizes a holistic approach to nursing, which is a philosophy of healing a whole person, not just their body.

At Joyce, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art technology in our Joyce Johnson Center of Simulation, and you’ll also make great connections with industry nurses through clinical rotations.

Because we offer several degree programs, students who wish to continue their education, become nursing leaders, or become nursing educators can ladder their degrees and earn a CCNE accredited Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Joyce as well.

How CCNE Accreditation Can Help Your Career

Graduating from a CCNE accredited BSN program ensures that you’ll get a quality education and signals your expertise to future employers. At a CCNE accredited nursing program like Joyce’s, students will benefit from qualified instructors, an updated curriculum, student support, ample NCLEX preparation, and more. To learn more about how a CCNE accredited BSN from Joyce can jumpstart your nursing career, contact an admissions advisor today.