Understanding CCNE Accreditation
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The demand for nurses continues to grow. Nursing shortages and an aging population are creating an abundance of new openings each year across healthcare settings, making skilled nurses more valuable than ever. Choosing the right nursing program is one of the most important steps in your career — and accreditation may be central to that choice.
Benedictine University’s online nursing programs — including the RN to B.S.N., M.S.N. in Nursing Leadership and Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership — are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation confirms that these programs meet nationally accepted standards of education and clinical preparation.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. The value of nursing accreditation is essential in selecting a program that aligns with your career path.
What Is Nursing Program Accreditation?
Nursing program accreditation is a quality assurance process in which independent agencies evaluate whether a program meets established standards of education, faculty qualifications, curriculum design and student outcomes. It involves self-studies, peer reviews and site visits by recognized accrediting organizations.
Accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is required for programs to participate in federal financial aid. For nurses, graduating from an accredited program is typically a prerequisite for state licensure eligibility and admission to advanced degree programs.
What Is CCNE Accreditation?
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is the accreditation arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accrediting agency. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency/fellowship programs in nursing — including B.S.N., M.S.N. and DNP programs offered by colleges and universities.
CCNE’s evaluation process places strong emphasis on teaching effectiveness, curriculum design and measurable student outcomes. It also assesses a program’s institutional mission, governance structure and alignment with professional nursing standards. These elements make CCNE the predominant accreditation for programs focused on scholarly development, leadership preparation and advanced nursing practice — the hallmarks of graduate-level nursing education.
Does Accreditation Affect Nursing Career Opportunities?
Graduating from an accredited nursing program directly affects career advancement and earning potential. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Magnet hospitals — recognized for nursing excellence and superior patient outcomes — employ a significantly higher proportion of baccalaureate-prepared nurses. Employers pursuing Magnet Recognition seek graduates from programs that emphasize leadership, evidence-based practice and quality improvement.
In the Chicago and greater Illinois area, major healthcare employers holding Magnet designation include Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Medicine and Endeavor affiliates, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Advocate Aurora affiliates. CCNE-accredited programs prepare nurses to meet the performance standards set by these institutions.
How Does CCNE Accreditation Shape Your Nursing Career?
When weighing CCNE vs. ACEN programs, your career goals and educational pathway should guide your choice. CCNE-accredited programs — like those offered through Benedictine University — prepare nurses for leadership roles, graduate-level study and positions at academic medical centers, research institutions and Magnet-designated hospitals. This accreditation carries the most weight when pursuing a B.S.N., M.S.N. or DNP.
Before applying, verify a program’s accreditation status on its website — accredited programs display their status prominently and can answer questions about program outcomes and employer partnerships. Accreditation status can also be confirmed directly through the CCNE website’s searchable database of accredited programs.
Learn more about Benedictine University’s online nursing programs.
About Benedictine University’s Online Nursing Programs
Benedictine University offers online nursing degrees for registered nurses and healthcare professionals ready to advance their careers. The CCNE-accredited programs include an RN to B.S.N. (34 credit hours, 14 months), an M.S.N. in Nursing Leadership (36 credit hours, 2 years) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership (36–40 credit hours, 2 years). Each program pairs online coursework with experiential learning activities that students can complete at their place of employment — allowing professionals to grow without stepping away from their careers.
Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles, including nursing managers, clinical nurse leader and director of patient care services, across hospitals and health systems in Illinois and throughout the country. Benedictine’s faculty are practicing professionals and published scholars and the university’s small student-to-faculty ratio ensures personal mentorship throughout the program.