Online learning has transformed the nursing world in a relatively short span of time. In the past, being present on a college campus was the only way to obtain an accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing (ABSN) degree. Fortunately, it is no longer the only way.
Busy professionals can now advance their careers without taking time off of work thanks to technological advancements such as video conferencing apps and learning management systems.
Many people wonder if it is practical to earn an ABSN degree online and if employers respect these degrees. A recent survey found that more than 83% of human resource professionals believed that the quality of online courses was comparable to that of studies completed in traditional schools.
However, the same data shows that these hiring professionals consider where you obtain your ABSN degree and the accreditations of that specific program.
How does nursing accreditation work?
This evaluation considers the syllabus, the teachers’ credentials, the educational environment, the percentage of students who pass the NCLEX-RN test, and other aspects of the level of instruction. After receiving initial certification, schools retain their nursing certification through ongoing assessments.
Nursing accreditation bodies evaluate multiple factors during the approval process and compare them to the most current professional nursing requirements. This includes the curriculum, the school’s mission, and educational resources.
State examination and license regulations also influence several required standards for the certification of a nursing program.
The initial accreditation is only valid for five years, and eight years are given for continuous accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Following that period, the ACEN evaluates the nursing program to ensure it still satisfies the requirements for accreditation.
In addition, the ACEN examines nursing programs on an ongoing basis through a yearly reporting procedure. Nursing programs and schools must submit continuous improvement status reports every three years to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Why does online ABSN course accreditation matter?
Now that you have a rough idea of how nursing accreditation works, you might wonder why it matters. Here is a look at why accreditations are essential when choosing an online ABSN degree.
It ensures high-quality education
A strengths-based curriculum that emphasizes clinical judgment, interdisciplinary teamwork and analytical thinking is necessary for nursing students. This prepares them to serve as leaders, address the specific needs of individual patients and provide safe patient care.
Enrolling in an online accelerated nursing program at a CCNE-accredited academic institution such as the University of Indianapolis ensures that an external quality assurance approach has been used to guarantee the relevant standards are met.
The CCNE is one of the most well-known nursing education accreditation agencies approved by the US Secretary of Education. It develops precise metrics to assess the quality of an online university’s nursing program.
Additionally, it guarantees that the academic institution’s nursing baccalaureate, graduate, residency and fellowship programs uphold high standards. It also establishes the institution’s commitment to providing students with the best possible experience to become practical nurses.
It proves the legitimacy of degrees
The credibility of virtual nursing degrees has been questioned in the past. A common misconception about online ABSN degrees is that they are not valued, let alone respected, by employers and top business organizations.
Even though that is not the case and multiple studies back the legitimacy of online degrees, some people continue to harbor these misconceptions. However, with accreditation, educational institutions can demonstrate the validity of their ABSN degree programs.
When a nursing degree is accredited, it typically indicates that a lengthy and demanding review process has determined that the staff and competence of your selected academic institution are sufficient to offer a high-quality program.
It allows for easy credit transfer
If you are working on an ABSN degree program, there is a good chance you already have a bachelor’s degree or perhaps a sufficient collegiate experience in another discipline. You may be able to find an ABSN course program that lets you use your previous college credits.
Often, receiving institutions examine whether the college from which a student wishes to transfer credits is accredited. Accreditation ensures a smooth transfer of programs and courses among colleges and universities when individuals decide to enroll in an ABSN course. This will enable you to complete your nursing degree as quickly as possible.
Become a nurse today
Finding a good nursing school is essential for becoming an effective nurse. Take some time to explore the accreditation of the schools you are considering before enrolling.