Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education CCNE

Overview

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a national accrediting body dedicated to ensuring the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency/fellowship programs in nursing. Established in 1996 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), CCNE operates as an autonomous agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Its mission is to contribute to the improvement of the public’s health by promoting the quality and integrity of nursing education programs.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

CCNE was founded in 1996 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) to address the need for a specialized accrediting agency focused exclusively on baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs. Prior to CCNE's establishment, nursing programs were accredited by a variety of agencies, leading to inconsistencies in standards and evaluation processes. Recognizing the importance of standardized accreditation, AACN developed CCNE to ensure that nursing education programs met rigorous academic and professional standards. Since its inception, CCNE has been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and CHEA as a reliable authority for the quality of nursing education.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: To contribute to the improvement of the public’s health by promoting the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency/fellowship programs in nursing.

Vision: To be the premier accrediting agency for nursing education programs, ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet the challenges of the evolving healthcare environment.

Objectives:

• Establish and maintain accreditation standards that reflect current and emerging trends in nursing education and practice.
• Conduct rigorous evaluations of nursing programs to ensure compliance with established standards.
• Promote continuous improvement in nursing education through feedback and guidance to accredited programs.
• Enhance public confidence in the quality of nursing education and the competence of nursing graduates.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

CCNE operates as an autonomous accrediting agency, separate from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), though it was established by AACN. This separation ensures objectivity and impartiality in the accreditation process. The governance structure includes a board of commissioners composed of nurse educators, practitioners and public members, all of whom are responsible for setting policies and overseeing the accreditation process. The board ensures that CCNE's operations are transparent, accountable and aligned with its mission to promote quality in nursing education.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role

CCNE's accreditation process is designed to assess and identify programs that engage in effective educational practices. The process includes a comprehensive self-study by the nursing program, an on-site evaluation by peer reviewers and a final decision by the CCNE Board of Commissioners. Programs are evaluated based on four key standards:

• Mission and Governance: Alignment of the program's mission and goals with those of the institution.
• Institutional Commitment and Resources: Adequate resources and support for the program.
• Curriculum and Teaching-Learning Practices: Curriculum's ability to prepare students for nursing practice.
• Assessment and Achievement of Program Outcomes: Program's effectiveness in achieving its stated outcomes.

This rigorous evaluation ensures that accredited programs meet high standards of quality and are capable of producing competent nursing professionals.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While CCNE primarily accredits programs within the United States, it recognizes the importance of global collaboration in nursing education. CCNE has established partnerships with international accrediting bodies to share best practices and promote the advancement of nursing education worldwide. These collaborations facilitate mutual recognition of accreditation standards and support the development of nursing education programs that meet international benchmarks.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

CCNE continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of nursing education by setting high standards for program quality and fostering continuous improvement. As the healthcare landscape evolves, CCNE adapts its accreditation standards to address emerging trends and challenges in nursing practice. This proactive approach ensures that nursing education programs remain relevant and effective in preparing graduates to meet the needs of diverse patient populations. Through its accreditation activities, CCNE contributes to the enhancement of public health by ensuring that nursing programs produce competent, compassionate and culturally competent nurses.

7. Summary

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a nationally recognized accrediting agency dedicated to ensuring the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency/fellowship programs in nursing. Established in 1996 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, CCNE operates as an autonomous agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Through its rigorous accreditation process, CCNE promotes the improvement of public health by ensuring that nursing education programs meet high standards of quality and effectiveness.

8. FAQs

1. What is CCNE?
   The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a national accrediting agency that ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency/fellowship programs in nursing.
2. How can a nursing program become accredited by CCNE?
   A nursing program must undergo a comprehensive self-study, an on-site evaluation by peer reviewers and a final decision by the CCNE Board of Commissioners to become accredited.
3. Does CCNE accredit programs outside the United States?
   While CCNE primarily accredits programs within the United States, it recognizes the importance of global collaboration in nursing education and has established partnerships with international accrediting bodies.
4. What are the benefits of CCNE accreditation?
   CCNE accreditation signifies that a nursing program meets high standards of quality and effectiveness, which can enhance the program's reputation and attract prospective students.
5. Where can I find a list of CCNE-accredited programs?
   A comprehensive list of CCNE-accredited programs is available on the official CCNE website.

Organization Name

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Acronym

CCNE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1998

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

Affiliations or Memberships

Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

378

Address

655 K Street NW, Suite 750
Washington
20001 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 887 6791

Fax

+1 (202) 887 8476

n.a.

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Wikipedia Article

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education's Wikipedia article

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