Nursing Education Resources
Everything you need to research nursing schools, understand accreditation, prepare for NCLEX, and fund your education.
Understanding Nursing School Accreditation
Accreditation is the process by which an independent body evaluates a nursing program against national standards of quality. For nursing students, programmatic accreditation — distinct from the broader institutional accreditation of the college or university — is especially important because it determines:
- Whether graduates are eligible to sit the NCLEX licensure exam
- Whether credits will transfer to graduate programs
- How employers and hospitals — particularly Magnet-recognized facilities — evaluate your degree
CCNE
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Programs covered: BSN, MSN, DNP, Post-Graduate APRN
Carnegie Foundation and AACN affiliated
ACEN
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Programs covered: LPN/LVN, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP
Covers all nursing education levels
NLN CNEA
National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
Programs covered: PN, ADN, BSN, MSN, Doctoral
Emphasises mission diversity
How to verify accreditation: Check the program in the Dept. of Education DAPIP database and confirm programmatic accreditation directly on the CCNE or ACEN website. Verify both institutional and programmatic accreditation — not all schools that hold regional institutional accreditation also hold nursing programmatic accreditation.
NCLEX Examination — What You Need to Know
The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN are computer-adaptive tests that assess the minimum competency required for safe nursing practice. The exams are developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered through Pearson VUE testing centres nationwide.
National first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (NCSBN)
Typical first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate by state
Computer-Adaptive Testing — questions adjust to your ability level
Number of questions (NCLEX-RN); test ends when competency is established
Source: NCSBN.org — National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Nurse Licensing by State
RN and LPN licensure is issued by the State Board of Nursing in each state. More than 40 states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows a nurse to practice in all member states on a single multistate license — an important benefit for travel nurses and those living near state borders.
Steps to get licensed in a new state:
- Verify your nursing school's programmatic accreditation
- Complete your NCLEX examination and achieve a passing score
- Apply to the Board of Nursing in your target state (or your primary state for NLC multistate license)
- Submit transcripts, background check, and application fees
- Receive your license — then apply for reciprocity / endorsement in additional states if needed
Browse nursing programs in your state: Programs by State →
Paying for Nursing School
Nursing students have access to a wide range of federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Below are the primary funding sources to explore before taking on private loans.
FAFSA & Federal Aid
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year — it unlocks Pell Grants (up to $7,395/yr), subsidized federal loans, and work-study. Most students qualify for some aid.
HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship
Covers full tuition, fees, and a monthly stipend in exchange for a 2-year service commitment at an eligible health facility in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). Highly competitive.
HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment
Repays up to 85% of outstanding nursing education loans in exchange for a 2-year commitment at an eligible facility. Available to RNs, APRNs, and faculty.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Nurses employed by qualifying non-profit or government employers can have remaining federal loan balances forgiven after 120 qualifying monthly payments (10 years). Enrol early.
Hospital Tuition Reimbursement
Many hospital systems offer $5,000–$10,000+ per year in tuition reimbursement to employed nursing staff pursuing an RN-to-BSN or advanced degree. Check with your employer before enrolling.
Official Resources
NCLEX & Licensing
Accreditation
Financial Aid
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NCLEX and who needs to take it?
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the standardised exam that all nursing graduates must pass to obtain an RN or LPN/LVN license in the United States. The NCLEX-RN is for registered nurse candidates; the NCLEX-PN is for practical/vocational nurse candidates. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
What is the difference between CCNE and ACEN accreditation?
Both CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) and ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) are national nursing accreditation bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CCNE primarily accredits baccalaureate and graduate programs (BSN, MSN, DNP), while ACEN accredits all levels including LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. Graduates of programs accredited by either body are eligible for NCLEX licensure.
How do I verify that a nursing school is accredited?
You can verify accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) at ope.ed.gov, through the CCNE website (ccneaccreditation.org), or through the ACEN directory (acenursing.org). Always confirm both institutional accreditation and programmatic nursing accreditation separately.
What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement among member states that allows registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to hold one multistate license, giving them the legal authority to practice nursing in all compact states without obtaining additional licenses. As of 2024, more than 40 states participate in the compact. Check the NCSBN website for the current list of compact states.
Are online nursing programs respected by employers?
Yes — provided the program holds programmatic accreditation from CCNE or ACEN and institutional regional accreditation. Employers and graduate programs evaluate the accreditation status of your degree, not the delivery format. Many Magnet-recognized hospitals actively hire graduates from accredited online programs. The key is to confirm accreditation status before enrolling.
Ready to find your program?
Browse accredited nursing programs by degree level, delivery format, and state.
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