Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing ACEN

Overview

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is a specialized accrediting agency in the United States that evaluates and accredits nursing education programs across various levels, including practical, diploma, associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Established in 1893 as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), ACEN operates as a subsidiary of the National League for Nursing (NLN) and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Its mission is to promote and ensure the quality and integrity of nursing education programs through a peer-review process that fosters continuous improvement and accountability.

History and Legal Framework

ACEN's origins trace back to 1893 when it was founded as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). In 2013, the organization rebranded to its current name to better reflect its focus on nursing education accreditation. The restructuring aimed to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations requiring accrediting activities to be separate and independent from trade organizations. Consequently, the accreditation functions were transferred to a wholly owned subsidiary corporation of the NLN, permanently removing the NLN from accrediting nursing programs and conveying all accrediting activities and responsibilities to the NLNAC .

Mission, Vision and Objectives

ACEN's mission is to promote and ensure the quality and integrity of nursing education programs through a peer-review process that fosters continuous improvement and accountability. Its vision is to be the global standard in nursing education accreditation by fostering excellence through continuous improvement, innovation and advocacy. The agency's strategic priorities include enhancing program support and satisfaction, engaging and supporting dedicated peer evaluator volunteers, promoting the importance of ACEN accreditation and building a growth model for accredited nursing education programs .

Governance, Structure and Independence

ACEN operates as a non-profit organization with a governance structure that includes a Board of Commissioners responsible for overseeing its accreditation activities. The board comprises nursing educators, practitioners and public members who provide diverse perspectives on nursing education. The agency's independence is maintained through its status as a subsidiary of the National League for Nursing, ensuring that its accrediting activities are separate from the NLN's educational and professional development functions .

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

ACEN accredits nursing education programs at various levels, including practical, diploma, associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees. The accreditation process involves a voluntary, peer-review, self-regulatory approach where nursing programs are evaluated against established standards and criteria for educational quality. This process includes self-assessment by the nursing program, followed by an external review conducted by ACEN-appointed peer evaluators. The goal is to ensure that nursing programs meet or exceed standards of quality and effectiveness, thereby enhancing the educational experience for students and preparing them for professional practice .

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ACEN extends its accreditation services to international nursing education programs, fostering global collaboration in nursing education. The agency's international accreditation efforts are guided by a commitment to cooperation, openness and mutual respect, consistent with its organizational values. By accrediting international programs, ACEN contributes to the development of nursing education worldwide and supports the mobility of nursing professionals across borders .

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ACEN's accreditation activities have a significant impact on higher education by ensuring that nursing programs maintain high standards of quality and effectiveness. The agency's peer-review process promotes continuous improvement within nursing education programs, leading to enhanced educational outcomes for students. Looking forward, ACEN aims to strengthen its role as a global leader in nursing education accreditation by expanding its international reach, enhancing program support and fostering innovation in nursing education .

Summary

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing plays a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of nursing education in the United States and internationally. Through its rigorous accreditation process, ACEN ensures that nursing programs meet established standards, thereby preparing students for effective professional practice. The agency's commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and global collaboration underscores its leadership in nursing education accreditation.

FAQs

What is ACEN?
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a specialized accrediting agency that evaluates and accredits nursing education programs across various levels, including practical, diploma, associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees.
How does ACEN impact nursing education?
ACEN ensures that nursing programs meet established standards of quality and effectiveness through a peer-review accreditation process, leading to improved educational outcomes and professional preparedness for students.
Is ACEN recognized by the U.S. Department of Education?
Yes, ACEN is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as a specialized accrediting agency for nursing education programs.
Does ACEN accredit international nursing programs?
Yes, ACEN extends its accreditation services to international nursing education programs, fostering global collaboration and enhancing the quality of nursing education worldwide.
How can a nursing program achieve ACEN accreditation?
A nursing program can achieve ACEN accreditation by undergoing a voluntary, peer-review process that includes self-assessment, an external review by ACEN-appointed peer evaluators and meeting established standards and criteria for educational quality.

Organization Profile

Organization Name

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Acronym

ACEN

Year of Establishment

1/01/1965

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); U.S. Department of Education (USDE)

Affiliations or Memberships

National League for Nursing Education (NLNE); Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Contact Details

Address

3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta
30326 Georgia United States

Phone

+1 (404) 975 5000

Fax

+1 (404) 975 5020

Location Map

Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

List of universities offering programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN):

Alabama

Troy University
Tuskegee University
University of West Alabama, The

Alaska

Alaska Pacific University
University of Alaska Anchorage

Arizona

Arkansas

Arkansas State University
Arkansas Tech University
Ouachita Baptist University
Southern Arkansas University
University of Arkansas at Little Rock

California

Pacific Union College
Weimar University

Colorado

Arapahoe Community College
Colorado Mountain College
Colorado State University - Pueblo
Denver College of Nursing
Front Range Community College

Connecticut

Delaware

Delaware State University
Delaware Technical Community College - Terry

Florida

Ave Maria University
Bethune-Cookman University
Chipola College
College of Central Florida
College of the Florida Keys
Daytona State College
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Florida Southwestern State College
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Hillsborough Community College
Indian River State College
International College of Health Sciences
Lake-Sumter State College
Larkin School of Nursing
Lincoln Memorial University - Tampa
Miami Regional University
Nexus University
North Florida College
Northwest Florida State College
Palm Beach State College
Pensacola State College
Polk State College
Seminole State College of Florida
South Florida College of Nursing
South Florida State College
St. Johns River State College
State College of Florida, Manatee - Sarasota
Tallahassee State College

Georgia

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Albany State University
Brewton-Parker College
College of Coastal Georgia
Dalton State College
Georgia Highlands College
Gordon State College
LaGrange College
Middle Georgia State University
Piedmont University
South Georgia State College
Thomas University
University of North Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Chicago State University
Governors State University
Rockford University
St. John's College

Indiana

Bethel University
Indiana State University
Indiana University East
Indiana University Northwest
Purdue University Northwest
University of Evansville
Vincennes University

Iowa

Iowa State University of Science and Technology

Kansas

Emporia State University

Kentucky

Campbellsville University
Kentucky State University
Midway University
Thomas More University
University of Pikeville

Louisiana

Dillard University
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Louisiana State University at Alexandria
University of Holy Cross

Maine

University of Maine at Augusta
University of New England

Maryland

Bowie State University

Massachusetts

Anna Maria College
Regis College

Michigan

Andrews University

Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University
St. Catherine University

Mississippi

Alcorn State University

Missouri

Lincoln University
Missouri Southern State University
Southwest Baptist University
Texas County Technical Institute Inc. DBA Bolivar Technical College
Webster University

Montana

Montana State University-Northern
Salish Kootenai College

Nebraska

Bryan College of Health Sciences
Clarkson College
College of Saint Mary
Midland University

Nevada

College of Southern Nevada
Great Basin College
Truckee Meadows Community College

New Hampshire

Franklin Pierce University
Rivier University

New Jersey

Fairleigh Dickinson University
Kean University
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Saint Elizabeth University

New Mexico

Eastern New Mexico University

New York

Alfred State College, SUNY College of Technology
College of Staten Island - CUNY
Daemen University
Elmira College
Excelsior University
Maria College
Medgar Evers College-CUNY
Monroe University
New York City College of Technology
Pacific College of Health and Science
SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
St. Joseph's University New York
Trocaire College
Wagner College
York College of CUNY

North Carolina

Duke Regional Hospital
Gardner-Webb University
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
North Carolina Central University
Wingate University

North Dakota

Dickinson State University

Ohio

Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science
Kettering College
Shawnee State University
Sinclair Community College
University of Rio Grande
Youngstown State University

Oklahoma

East Central University
Langston University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Rogers State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
University of Tulsa

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Cedar Crest College
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Grove City College
La Roche University
Mount Aloysius College
Neumann University
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania Western University
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

Rhode Island

New England Institute of Technology

South Carolina

Charleston Southern University
Coastal Carolina University

South Dakota

Tennessee

Lincoln Memorial University
Lipscomb University
Southern Adventist University
Tennessee State University
University of Tennessee at Martin

Texas

Austin Community College
Baptist Health System School of Health Professions
College of the Mainland
Collin County Community College District
Del Mar College
Galveston College
Grayson College
Lamar University
Laredo College
Lone Star College - The Woodlands
Lubbock Christian University
Navarro College
Prairie View A&M University
San Antonio College
San Jacinto College - Central Campus
South Texas College
Stephen F. Austin State University
Texas A&M International University
Trinity Valley Community College
University of Houston - Clear Lake
Wayland Baptist University
Weatherford College

Utah

Utah State University
Utah Tech University
Utah Valley University
Weber State University

Vermont

Virginia

ECPI University - Newport News
Norfolk State University
Riverside College of Health Sciences

Washington

Washington, DC

University of the District of Columbia

West Virginia

Davis & Elkins College
Marshall University
University of Charleston, The
West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Guam

University of Guam

Puerto Rico

Atenas University
Columbia Central University
EDP University of Puerto Rico
Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Aguadilla Campus
Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Arecibo Campus
Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Metropolitan Campus
NUC University
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Puerto Rico
Professional University Dr. Carlos J. Borrero Rios
Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Carolina Campus
Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Cupey Campus
Universidad de Puerto Rico en Arecibo
Universidad de Puerto Rico en Humacao
University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez

Virgin Islands

University of the Virgin Islands

International

Applied Science Private University (Jordan)
Batterjee Medical College (Saudi Arabia)
Chiang Mai University (Thailand)
Hashemite University (Jordan)
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (Saudi Arabia)
Isra University (Jordan)
Jordan University of Science & Technology (Jordan)
King Abdulaziz University (Saudi Arabia)
King Faisal University (Saudi Arabia)
King Saud University (Saudi Arabia)
Koc University (Turkey)
Mahidol University (Thailand)
Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (Kuwait)
Sultan Qaboos University (Sultanate of Oman)
Universidad del Norte (Colombia)
Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia)
University of Balamand (Lebanon)
University of Jordan, The (Jordan)

Wikipedia Article

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