Nursing
NLN Accreditation Questions and Answers
What is accreditation?
Accreditation "is a process of recognizing educational institutions for performance, integrity
and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the educational community and the public. In
the United States, this recognition is extended largely through nongovernmental, voluntary
membership associations that establish accreditation criteria, evaluate institutions against
[those] criteria and approve institutions that meet the criteria." (Northwest Commission on
Colleges and Universities)
As an institution, Spokane Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on
Colleges and Universities. Individual college departments may pursue industry-specific
accreditation from national professional organizations.
What is the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)?
The NLNAC "is nationally recognized as a specialized accrediting agency for both post-secondary
and higher education degree programs in nursing education." (National League for Nursing
Accrediting Commission)
The NLNAC accredits all types of post-secondary nursing programs, including those offered by
community and technical colleges.
How does program accreditation differ from program approval?
Program accreditation means a program meets specific national standards
determined by an accrediting body, such as NLNAC.
Program approval means a program meets standards defined by state
rules and regulations. In the case of nursing, a program also must meet rules and regulations
defined by the state Nurse Practice Act. State program approval allows nursing graduates to sit
for the national certification exam (NCLEX) to be licensed as registered nurses. In Washington,
nursing program approval is determined by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance
Commission under the state Department of Health.
Is NLN accreditation mandatory?
NLN accreditation is an optional, but desirable national accreditation process. NLN
accreditation of a nursing program indicates the program meets six NLNAC standards related to
mission and administration, faculty and staff, students, curriculum, resources and outcomes.
Each standard has between five and ten criteria that all must be met to attain accreditation.
Is Spokane Community College's nursing program accredited by NLNAC?
SCC's nursing program currently is not accredited by NLNAC. Following an October 2009 NLNAC
accreditation site visit, we learned we have some additional work to do to comply with NLNAC
criteria. This includes clarification of lab preceptor duties that affect the ratio of faculty
with master's and bachelor's degrees and the way student outcomes are communicated on our
website, student handbook, and course syllabi.
Why is NLNAC accreditation important?
Although the process is voluntary, accreditation indicates a nursing program meets the NLNAC's
established standards for instruction and student development. Federal facilities, such as
veterans' hospitals, require that job applicants graduate from a nationally accredited nursing
program, and some colleges and universities have the same requirement for transfer students.
Do the Intercollegiate Center of Nursing (ICN) and University of Washington School of
Nursing have this requirement?
No. Both institutions will accept qualified SCC graduates provided they meet all stated
transfer and admission requirements. If you are considering bachelor degree programs in nursing
at other colleges or universities, be sure to check their transfer and admission requirements
carefully.
How does this affect my ability to sit for the state nursing exam?
It doesn't. SCC's nursing program is approved by the Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance
Commission. This means SCC graduates can sit for the national certification exam (NCLEX).
How does this affect my ability to work as a registered nurse?
Upon passing the NCLEX, SCC graduates are licensed registered nurses and may work as RNs
throughout Washington and in other states as well. As noted above, some employers may require
graduation from a nationally accredited college; be sure to review job application requirements
carefully.
What's the next step for SCC?
SCC nursing faculty and administrators already are working to address the issues identified by
NLNAC evaluators during their October 2009 site visit. We intend to re-apply for accreditation
and are in the process of developing an application timeline. We will share this with students
and the community once it's finalized.
Who should I talk to if I've got more questions?
We've identified several instructors and counselors who are good resources for questions about
SCC accreditation: