Reviewed and edited by Carol Lokare, RN, NP
Registered Nurse and Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with 45+ years of clinical experience across acute care, community health, geriatric practice, and school nursing.
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ACEN accredits ~2,400 nursing programs including ADN and LPN. CCNE accredits ~950+ BSN and graduate programs only. Here is why accreditation matters for NCLEX eligibility, graduate school, and career options.
Nursing program accreditation determines whether graduates can obtain a nursing license, attend graduate school, and work in most healthcare facilities. Choosing a nursing program without first verifying accreditation is one of the most consequential mistakes a prospective nursing student can make.
Two national accrediting bodies — the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) — are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) as legitimate accreditors of nursing programs. Both are also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Any accredited nursing program you consider should hold recognition from one of these two bodies.
Nursing program accreditation is defined as a voluntary, peer-review quality assurance process through which a nationally recognized body evaluates whether a nursing program meets established standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, clinical education, and institutional support.
Accreditation is distinct from state approval. Every nursing program operating in the United States must have state board of nursing approval — without it, graduates cannot sit for the NCLEX. Accreditation is an additional layer of quality assurance that indicates the program meets national standards set by the nursing profession itself.
The practical consequences of accreditation status are significant:
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is one of the oldest nursing accreditors in the United States, having accredited nursing programs since 1952 (under its former name, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission). As of 2024, ACEN accredits approximately 2,400 nursing programs across all degree levels.
ACEN accredits:
ACEN is the primary — and in most cases only — accreditor relevant to LPN and ADN programs. If you are evaluating a community college ADN program or a vocational LPN program, ACEN accreditation is what to look for.
ACEN accreditation cycle: 8 years for continuing accreditation, with annual reports and mid-cycle reviews.
ACEN standards focus on:
To verify ACEN accreditation: acenursing.org/accredited-programs-directory.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) was established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in 1998 and focuses exclusively on bachelor's degree and graduate nursing education. As of 2024, CCNE accredits approximately 950+ nursing programs nationally.
CCNE accredits:
CCNE does NOT accredit:
This is a critical distinction: if you are evaluating an ADN program and the school claims "CCNE accreditation," this is either an error or a misrepresentation. CCNE only accredits BSN and graduate programs.
CCNE accreditation cycle: Initial 5-year accreditation, then 10-year cycles for continuing programs.
CCNE standards focus on:
To verify CCNE accreditation: ccneaccreditation.org/accredited-programs.
| Factor | ACEN | CCNE |
|---|---|---|
| Programs accredited (approx.) | ~2,400 | ~950+ |
| Levels covered | LPN, diploma, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP | BSN, MSN, DNP only |
| Established | 1952 | 1998 |
| USDE recognition | Yes | Yes |
| CHEA recognition | Yes | Yes |
| Relevant for ADN programs | ✅ Yes — primary ADN accreditor | ❌ No — ADN not in scope |
| Relevant for BSN programs | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Relevant for MSN/DNP programs | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Relevant for LPN programs | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Both are equally recognized by state boards of nursing and graduate programs. There is no meaningful hierarchy between them for BSN and graduate programs. The choice between ACEN and CCNE at the BSN and graduate level does not affect graduate school eligibility, NCLEX eligibility, or career options.
State boards of nursing set their own rules for which programs qualify graduates for NCLEX examination. In practice, almost all states require graduation from an accredited program or a state-approved program. Most accredited programs also have state approval, so accreditation and state approval typically coexist.
However, not all state-approved programs are accredited. A program can be state-approved (the legal minimum to operate) without holding ACEN or CCNE accreditation. Graduates of state-approved but non-accredited programs may:
The safe rule: attend only programs that hold ACEN or CCNE accreditation, not just state board of nursing approval.
Every legitimate nursing program must have approval from the state board of nursing in the state where it operates. This is a legal requirement for graduates to sit for the NCLEX. State approval standards vary by state and are generally less rigorous than national accreditation standards.
State board approval answers: "Is this program legally authorized to operate?"
National accreditation (ACEN/CCNE) answers: "Does this program meet the nursing profession's quality standards?"
A program can be state-approved without being nationally accredited. Non-accredited programs exist in most states, often operating as for-profit vocational programs. Their graduates may be able to obtain initial licensure in some states but face significant limitations in career advancement, relocation, and graduate school admission.
Magnet designation — awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) — recognizes hospitals for nursing excellence. Magnet hospitals are required to meet workforce education standards that include hiring preferences for BSN-prepared nurses.
Most Magnet hospitals require or strongly prefer that nursing staff have graduated from ACEN- or CCNE-accredited programs. Some Magnet facilities verify accreditation status at hiring. Graduates of non-accredited programs may be ineligible for employment at Magnet facilities even if they hold a valid RN license.
For career mobility — especially moving between states or into research medical centers and academic health systems — graduating from an accredited program is essential.
Do not rely on a program's website alone. Verify directly with the accrediting body.
For ACEN: Search the accredited programs directory at acenursing.org/accredited-programs-directory. Search by institution name or state. The directory shows current accreditation status and next review date.
For CCNE: Search at ccneaccreditation.org/accredited-programs. Filter by state and program type.
Also check: Your state board of nursing's list of approved programs. The state board website for your state lists every approved nursing program operating in that state. A legitimate program should appear on both the state board list AND an accreditor's directory.
Warning signs that should prompt investigation:
International nurses applying for U.S. licensure through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) credential evaluation must have completed a nursing program equivalent to a U.S. accredited nursing program. The CGFNS evaluates foreign educational credentials against U.S. accreditation standards as part of the licensure endorsement process for internationally educated nurses.
What is the difference between ACEN and CCNE accreditation? ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) accredits nursing programs at all levels, including LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP programs — approximately 2,400 programs nationally. CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) accredits only BSN and graduate programs (MSN, DNP) — approximately 950+ programs. Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For ADN programs, ACEN accreditation is the only relevant credential since CCNE does not accredit ADN programs.
Is ACEN or CCNE accreditation better? Neither is considered superior for BSN and graduate programs. Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, CHEA, and state boards of nursing. Graduate schools and employers accept graduates of both ACEN- and CCNE-accredited programs. The distinction matters primarily for degree level: ACEN accredits all nursing degree levels; CCNE accredits BSN and graduate degrees only.
Can I get a nursing job without graduating from an accredited program? You may be able to obtain initial licensure in some states from a state-approved but non-accredited program, but you will face significant limitations. Most hospital employers, especially Magnet facilities, require graduation from an accredited program. Graduate school admission almost universally requires prior accredited nursing education. Career mobility across states is more difficult. Attending only an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program is strongly recommended.
How do I know if a nursing program is accredited? Search the ACEN accredited programs directory at acenursing.org/accredited-programs-directory or the CCNE directory at ccneaccreditation.org/accredited-programs. Verify directly on the accreditor's website — do not rely solely on a program's own website or marketing materials. Also check your state board of nursing's list of approved programs.
Does accreditation affect NCLEX eligibility? In most states, graduation from an accredited program is required for NCLEX eligibility. State boards of nursing set their own rules, and requirements vary by state. However, non-accredited programs significantly limit future options including graduate school admission, cross-state licensure, and employment at Magnet hospitals. Graduating from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program eliminates these risks.
What happens if a nursing program loses accreditation? If a nursing program loses accreditation, currently enrolled students are typically given time to complete their degrees under a teach-out plan. Graduates from the period when accreditation was active retain their credentials. Future students cannot enroll in an accredited program until accreditation is restored. Prospective students should check the accreditation status at the time of enrollment, including whether the program is on warning or probation status.
Reviewed and edited by Carol Lokare, RN, NP
Registered Nurse and Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with 45+ years of clinical experience across acute care, community health, geriatric practice, and school nursing.
Helping nursing students find accredited programs across the US since 2026.