NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation CNEA

Overview

The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) is a specialized accrediting body in the United States dedicated to ensuring the quality and integrity of nursing education programs. Established as a division of the National League for Nursing (NLN), CNEA offers accreditation services to a diverse range of nursing programs, including practical/vocational, diploma, associate, baccalaureate, master's, and clinical doctorate degrees. The accreditation process emphasizes a culture of continuous quality improvement and respects the diversity of program missions, curricula, students, and faculty.

History and Legal Framework

NLN CNEA was established in 2013 as an autonomous accreditation division within the National League for Nursing. This move was in response to calls from nursing programs seeking an alternative, values-driven accreditation service. The establishment of CNEA allowed the NLN to continue its over-century-long commitment to advocating for quality patient care through ensuring quality nursing education. In 2021, CNEA received full recognition from the U.S. Department of Education, affirming its compliance with the department's recognition criteria.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

According to the NLN CNEA, its mission is to promote excellence and integrity in nursing education globally through an accreditation process that respects the diversity of program missions, curricula, students, and faculty. The vision is to influence the preparation of a caring and skilled nursing workforce by emphasizing a culture of continuous quality improvement. The objectives include fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and accountability within nursing programs and ensuring that accredited programs meet rigorous standards that prepare competent and ethical nursing professionals.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

NLN CNEA operates as an autonomous division within the National League for Nursing. It is governed by a 15-member Board of Commissioners representing nursing education, practice, and the public. The Board is responsible for policy setting, monitoring, and implementing all matters related to accreditation services. The governance model ensures that accreditation decisions are made independently, with a focus on maintaining the integrity and quality of nursing education programs.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

NLN CNEA's accreditation process involves a thorough review of nursing programs to assess their compliance with established standards. These standards cover various aspects, including mission and governance, faculty qualifications, curriculum, student support services, and program effectiveness. The accreditation process encourages the development of a culture of continuous quality improvement and provides a public mark of educational quality for nursing programs. Programs are evaluated on their ability to produce competent and ethical nursing professionals who are prepared to meet the challenges of the healthcare environment.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

NLN CNEA is committed to promoting excellence in nursing education globally. It has established collaborations with international organizations to advance global investment in nursing education. These partnerships aim to enhance the quality of nursing education worldwide and ensure that nursing programs meet international standards. Through these collaborations, NLN CNEA supports the development of a skilled and competent nursing workforce capable of addressing global health challenges.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

NLN CNEA's impact on higher education is significant, particularly in the field of nursing education. By providing accreditation services to a wide range of nursing programs, CNEA ensures that these programs meet rigorous standards that prepare students for successful careers in nursing. The emphasis on continuous quality improvement encourages nursing programs to regularly assess and enhance their curricula, faculty development, and student support services. Looking forward, NLN CNEA aims to continue its role in shaping the future of nursing education by adapting to emerging trends and challenges in the healthcare and educational landscapes.

Summary

The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and integrity of nursing education programs in the United States. Through its rigorous accreditation process, NLN CNEA supports the development of a competent and ethical nursing workforce. Its commitment to a culture of continuous quality improvement and respect for the diversity of nursing programs contributes to the advancement of nursing education both nationally and internationally.

FAQs

1. What types of nursing programs does NLN CNEA accredit?

   NLN CNEA accredits a diverse range of nursing programs, including practical/vocational, diploma, associate, baccalaureate, master's, and clinical doctorate degrees.

2. How does NLN CNEA ensure the quality of nursing education?

   NLN CNEA ensures quality through a rigorous accreditation process that evaluates programs based on standards covering mission and governance, faculty qualifications, curriculum, student support services, and program effectiveness.

3. Is NLN CNEA recognized by the U.S. Department of Education?

   Yes, in 2021, NLN CNEA received full recognition from the U.S. Department of Education, affirming its compliance with the department's recognition criteria.

4. Does NLN CNEA collaborate with international organizations?

   Yes, NLN CNEA has established collaborations with international organizations to advance global investment in nursing education and enhance the quality of nursing education worldwide.

5. What is the role of the NLN CNEA Board of Commissioners?

   The 15-member Board of Commissioners governs NLN CNEA, setting policies and overseeing accreditation services to ensure the integrity and quality of nursing education programs.

Organization Name

NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation

Acronym

CNEA

Year of Establishment

1/01/1997

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

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

1285

Address

61 Broadway
New York City
10006 New York United States

Phone

+1 (800) 669 1656

Fax

+1 (212) 812 390

List of Universities with accredited programs by the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation

ALABAMA

• Concordia College Alabama

ARKANSAS

• University of Arkansas at Monticello

CALIFORNIA

• Legacy Education, Integrity College of Health
• Santa Clarita Community College District (College of the Canyons)
• West Coast University

COLORADO

• Pima Medical Institute

FLORIDA

• Antigua College International
• Compu-Med Vocational Careers, Corp
• Saber College
• West Coast University

GEORGIA

• Andrew College

ILLINOIS

• Chamberlain University

INDIANA

• Hondros College of Nursing
• Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
• Purdue University Global School of Nursing

IOWA

• Kirkwood Community College
• Northeast Iowa Community College
• Purdue University Global School of Nursing
• Southeastern Community College

KENTUCKY

• Beckfield College
• Owensboro Community and Technical College

MAINE

• Beal University
• Purdue University Global School of Nursing

MARYLAND

• Carroll Community College
• Wor-Wic Community College

MASSACHUSETTS

• Framingham State University
• McCann Technical School

MICHIGAN

• Gogebic Community College
• Hondros College of Nursing
• Jackson College
• Kirtland Community College
• Mid Michigan College
• Montcalm Community College
• West Shore Community College

MINNESOTA

• Alexandria Technical & Community College
• Central Lakes College
• Dakota County Technical College
• Itasca Community College
• Mesabi Range College
• Minnesota North College
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College
• Northland Community and Technical College
• Pine Technical and Community College
• St. Cloud Technical and Community College

MISSOURI

• Missouri Baptist University
• North Central Missouri College
• Northwest Missouri State University

MONTANA

• Flathead Valley Community College
• Montana State University Billings City College

NEVADA

• Unitek College

NEW JERSEY

• Union College of Union County, NJ

NEW MEXICO

• Brookline College
• Pima Medical Institute

NEW ZEALAND

• University of Otago, Christchurch

NORTH CAROLINA

• Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
• Bladen Community College
• Craven Community College
• Elon University
• Forsyth Tech Community College
• Lenoir Community College
• Pitt Community College
• Robeson Community College
• Sandhills Community College
• Stanly Community College
• Wilkes Community College

NORTH DAKOTA

• Dakota College at Bottineau
• Williston State College

OHIO

• Central Ohio Technical College
• Hondros College of Nursing

OKLAHOMA

• Western Oklahoma State College

PALESTINE

• Arab American University

PENNSYLVANIA

• Geneva College
• Lackawanna College
• Mercyhurst University
• Millersville University
• Wilson College

SOUTH DAKOTA

• Oglala Lakota College

TEXAS

• Tyler Junior College
• West Coast University
• Wharton County Junior College

UTAH

• Nightingale College

VERMONT

• Vermont State University (formerly Vermont Technical College)

VIRGINIA

• Centra College
• Eastern Virginia Career College

WASHINGTON

• Bates Technical College
• Bellevue College
• Centralia College
• Clover Park Technical College
• Edmonds College
• Green River College
• Peninsula College
• South Puget Sound Community College

WEST VIRGINIA

• Davis & Elkins College
• Salem University

WISCONSIN

• Carroll University

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation's Wikipedia article

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