NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) Hits Major New Milestone: Over 150 Programs Now Accredited
NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) Hits Major New Milestone: Over 150 Programs Now Accredited
Accredited Programs Span the Spectrum of Higher Education in Nursing, from LPN/LVN through Practice Doctorates
Washington, DC — The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) proudly recognizes a new milestone in the mission to prioritize diversity and inclusion in nursing education: more than 150 programs in 32 states and internationally have earned CNEA accreditation. These programs represent the spectrum of higher education, ranging from LPN/LVN programs through advanced practice doctoral degree programs from elite academic institutions.
The National League for Nursing established CNEA in 2013. In 2021, CNEA earned recognition as an official programmatic accrediting agency of the U.S. Department of Education. With this recognition, CNEA joined other accrediting agencies deemed qualified to monitor the academic quality of postsecondary and educational programs for federal purposes. All those currently accredited by CNEA can highlight their accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education recognized agency.
CNEA’s values also distinguish the commission from other accrediting agencies: a respect for diversity of program mission, curricula, students, and faculty; a culture of continuous quality improvement; inclusion of a variety of program types; and preparation of a caring and skilled nursing workforce.
“We are enormously proud of the record and reputation that CNEA has built. The commission was designed as an innovative alternative to existing accreditation services, in response to the needs of National League for Nursing member schools and the wider nursing education community,” said CNEA Executive Director Teresa Shellenbarger, PhD, RN, CNE, CNEcl, ANEF. “CNEA accreditation reflects the spirit of each unique academic environment: the students, faculty, scholars, and other stakeholders committed to advancing the health of the nation and our global community.”
“Recognized as an official accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education, CNEA continues a proud tradition of leadership in accreditation services that has boosted the professional standing and elevated the standards of nursing education,” said CNEA Chair Joan Darden, PhD, RN, ANEF. “With an increasing number of nursing education programs applying to CNEA, we feel confident that we are fulfilling an important need in accreditation.”
For more information about CNEA, please visit CNEA.NLN.org.#####
About the National League for Nursing
Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The NLN offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its nearly 45,000 individual and 1,000 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and health care organizations. Learn more at NLN.org.