With a staggering 193,100 job openings annually and an employment growth of six percent to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing is booming more than ever.
Yet, with busy schedules and evolving lifestyles, many individuals are turning to online education for their nursing degrees. This begs the crucial question: Are online nursing programs accredited, and does it matter?
Rest assured, the answer is a resounding yes, and accreditation is not just a technicality. Accredited online universities and online nursing programs provide high-quality education recognized and valued by employers, hospitals, and licensing boards.
Let’s explore the inner workings of accredited online nursing programs, what types of accredited nursing programs are available, and why accreditation is essential for your nursing education and career.
What is an accredited nursing program?
Colleges, universities, and accredited in-person and online nursing programs are those that have undergone rigorous evaluation by independent organizations and have been found to meet or exceed established standards for quality education, including:
- Curriculum adheres to high standards: Accredited programs offer a comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum that aligns with the latest industry requirements and prepares graduates for successful careers.
- Clinical experiences are relevant and supervised: Accredited programs provide students with access to valuable clinical experiences in reputable healthcare settings, ensuring they gain practical skills under the supervision of qualified professionals.
- Faculty possess the necessary qualifications: Accredited programs employ qualified and experienced faculty with expertise in nursing practice and education.
- Graduates are prepared for licensure: Attending an accredited online nursing school can ensure you are fully eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) examination and become a registered nurse.
Additionally, the accreditation process further serves as a commitment to enrich students and their learning through continuous improvement and financial aid opportunities. It instills confidence that their degree will recognized and valued by employers. Goodwin University graduates have gone on to fulfilling, rewarding, and financially lucrative careers in home healthcare services, hospitals, nursing care facilities, physicians’ offices, schools, and so much more.
There are two types of accreditation given to on-campus, online, and hybrid degree programs and schools:
- Institutional/Regional Accreditation: This accreditation evaluates the entire university or college, ensuring its academic excellence across all disciplines. Goodwin University, for example, is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
- Programmatic/Specialized Accreditation: This accreditation focuses on specific programs within a university, like nursing programs. For Goodwin University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Registered Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN), and Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, accreditation comes from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
What accredited online nursing programs are available?
Students should keep in mind that every accredited college and university will offer different types of in-person, hybrid, and online nursing programs, so be sure to research to determine which program and school best fits your interests, needs, and career goals.
Accredited universities like Goodwin understand the unique needs of working professionals and aspiring nurses seeking flexibility. This is why we offer a range of fully online, accredited nursing programs designed to fit your schedule and career aspirations:
- Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program: Complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as little as 12 months, part-time, and gain the knowledge and skills to advance your nursing career. This program offers advanced nursing courses such as Introduction to Nursing Research, Health Assessment, and Leadership and Management in Nursing.
- Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs: Our Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) can be completed part-time in as few as 20 months. Students may also choose to pursue specialization with our Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) online degree programs in as few as twenty-seven months, part-time.
Are you ready to begin a meaningful career in nursing? Learn more about Goodwin’s various nursing programs today!
Why is accreditation important in online nursing programs?
Accredited institutions and accredited nursing programs are important and respected because they bear the seal of approval from an unbiased third party and are regulated by reputable nursing boards across the U.S.
Enrolling in an accredited online nursing program offers numerous benefits, including:
- Advanced degree opportunities: Accredited programs provide a strong foundation for pursuing higher education and specialized nursing careers, like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
- Enhanced employability: Employers recognize the value of accredited programs, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market. The median annual salary for registered nurses is $81,220, with the highest ten percent earning more than $129,400, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Financial aid eligibility: Many accredited programs qualify students for financial aid opportunities, making their education more accessible.
- Peace of mind: Knowing you’re receiving quality education from a reputable institution gives you confidence in your future as a nurse.
Ready to take the next step towards a career as a nurse with a flexible online program that will fit your interests, needs, and schedule?
If so, find out more information and apply to our Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program or our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program today.
Or, contact us for any other questions you may have. Let’s crush your career goals together!
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.