Which organization provides accreditation for both postsecondary and higher degree nursing programs, and was the only official national accrediting organization until 1996?

Which organization provides accreditation for both postsecondary and higher degree nursing programs, and was the only official national accrediting organization until 1996?

• A. NLNAC
• B. CCNE
• C. ANCC
• D. NCSBN

Answer: (A)

Accreditation bodies differ by the scope of programs they evaluate. The organization that historically provided national accreditation for nursing programs across the full range—from diploma/postsecondary through associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels—was the NLN Accrediting Commission. It held the status of the nation’s sole official national accrediting organization for nursing education until 1996, when CCNE was established to specifically accredit baccalaureate and higher-degree programs. Because NLNAC covers both postsecondary and higher degree nursing programs, it fits the description described in the question. In contrast, CCNE focuses on baccalaureate and graduate programs, ANCC certifies individual nurses rather than programs, and NCSBN is a federation of boards of nursing that develops licensure and practice guidelines rather than accrediting programs.

Accreditation bodies differ by the scope of programs they evaluate. The organization that historically provided national accreditation for nursing programs across the full range—from diploma/postsecondary through associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels—was the NLN Accrediting Commission. It held the status of the nation’s sole official national accrediting organization for nursing education until 1996, when CCNE was established to specifically accredit baccalaureate and higher-degree programs. Because NLNAC covers both postsecondary and higher degree nursing programs, it fits the description described in the question. In contrast, CCNE focuses on baccalaureate and graduate programs, ANCC certifies individual nurses rather than programs, and NCSBN is a federation of boards of nursing that develops licensure and practice guidelines rather than accrediting programs.