Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is one of three program accrediting agencies for nursing education in the US and its territories.[1] It is also a subsidiary of the National League for Nursing. ACEN is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for nursing education programs.[2] The non-profit agency is funded by dues from member schools.

ACEN accredits nursing education programs for every level of nursing, from associate level to doctorate. ACEN accreditation is voluntary, but according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, ACEN acts as the Title IV "gatekeeper" for nursing education programs.[3] Along with state nursing boards, ACEN determines whether nursing programs can have accreditation and maintain it.[4] Therefore, many nursing programs organize around ACEN standards.[5]

  1. ^ Billings, Diane; Halstead, Judith (October 31, 2015). Teaching in Nursing - E-Book: A Guide for Faculty. Elsevier. pp. 508–523. ISBN 978-1974803255. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  2. ^ "Mission | Purpose | Goals". Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  3. ^ "Overview of the ACEN Accreditation Process" (PDF). NCSBN. NCSBN. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  4. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]". ACEN. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  5. ^ Teaching in Nursing and Role of the Educator: The Complete Guide to Best Practice in Teaching, Evaluation and Curriculum Development (1st ed.). Springer Publishing Company. December 6, 2013. p. 264. ISBN 9780826195531. Retrieved 17 June 2019.