School of Nursing Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree program in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice program/and post-graduate APRN certificate program at The University of Akron is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.(http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The nurse anesthesia track is also accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Date of last review 2015. Date of next review 2025.
What is accreditation?
Accreditation is a nongovernmental process conducted by representatives of postsecondary institutions and professional groups. As conducted in the United States, accreditation focuses on the quality of institutions of higher and professional education and on the quality of educational programs within institutions. Two forms of accreditation are recognized: one is institutional accreditation, and the other is professional or specialized accreditation. Institutional accreditation concerns itself with the quality and integrity of the total institution, assessing the achievement of the institution in meeting its own stated mission, goals, and expected outcomes. The University of Akron has full accreditation from Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Professional or specialized accreditation is concerned with programs of study in professional or occupational fields. Professional accrediting agencies assess the extent to which programs achieve their stated mission, goals, and expected outcomes.
In addition, consideration of the program's mission, goals, and expected outcomes is of importance to the accrediting agency in determining the quality of the program and the educational preparation of members of the profession or occupation. Accreditation organizations make regularly scheduled evaluation visits to programs to document that programs continue to meet criteria.
The University of Akron School of Nursing has maintained full professional accreditation since its inception in 1967.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health. A specialized/professional accrediting agency, CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs. CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices.
As a voluntary self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education. Because the accreditation process is a voluntary enterprise, institutions that seek CCNE accreditation of their baccalaureate and/or graduate nursing programs are viewed to have a cooperative relationship with CCNE in seeking ways to improve and enhance the educational programs for professional nursing students.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The University of Akron School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing to award the Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing degree. This accreditation meets the criteria of graduation from an accredited nursing program in all 50 States. Each state establishes their own requirements to obtain a nursing license. State requirements include but are not limited to the successful completion of national examinations, letters of recommendation, and proof of completion of an accredited nursing program. Students should contact the State where they are interested in obtaining a license in advance.
Master of Science in Nursing
The University of Akron School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) concentrations within the Master's Degree of Nursing program qualify graduates to sit for national certification exams. Each state has their own requirements to obtain licensure in that state. These requirements may include but are not limited to successful completion of national certification exams, specific state examinations, letters of recommendations, or proof of completion of an accredited nursing program. Students should contact the States they are interested in obtaining a license in advance.