Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency that ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. The CCNE is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a national accreditation agency.

History

The CCNE was established in 1996 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) to serve the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. The commission began accrediting nursing programs in 1998.

Mission

The mission of the CCNE is to ensure the quality and integrity of nursing programs and to support the continuous improvement of nursing education. The CCNE aims to promote the health of the public by fostering excellence in nursing education.

Accreditation Process

The CCNE accreditation process involves a rigorous evaluation of a nursing program's mission, goals, and expected outcomes. The process includes:

• Self-Study Report: The institution conducts a comprehensive self-assessment and prepares a self-study report.
• On-Site Evaluation: A team of CCNE evaluators visits the institution to verify the information in the self-study report and to assess the program's compliance with CCNE standards.
• Review and Decision: The CCNE Board of Commissioners reviews the findings and makes an accreditation decision.

Standards for Accreditation

The CCNE has established standards for accreditation that focus on the following areas:

• Mission and Governance: The program's mission, goals, and governance structure.
• Institutional Commitment and Resources: The institution's commitment to the program and the resources available to support it.
• Curriculum and Teaching-Learning Practices: The design, implementation, and evaluation of the curriculum and teaching-learning practices.
• Assessment and Achievement of Program Outcomes: The assessment of student learning and the achievement of program outcomes.

Importance of Accreditation

Accreditation by the CCNE is important for several reasons:

• Quality Assurance: It ensures that nursing programs meet high standards of quality and integrity.
• Public Trust: It provides assurance to the public that graduates are well-prepared to enter the nursing profession.
• Eligibility for Funding: Accreditation is often required for eligibility for federal and state funding, as well as for certain scholarships and grants.
• Professional Recognition: It is recognized by employers and other stakeholders as a mark of excellence in nursing education.

Related Pages

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• National League for Nursing
• Nursing education
• United States Department of Education
• Accreditation