According to the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), nursing programs must meet a strict set of guidelines to obtain NLNAC accreditation. First, the program must prepare candidates to be care providers. Students must learn to evaluate client's health over time. Further, they must be able to plan programs to help patients recover. After they administer care, they must be able to fully evaluate their own proficiency as members of the profession. They must be taught to strive for personal excellence as well as to contribute to the nursing community as a whole. In terms of course load, universities must offer a liberal arts background for nursing candidates. This means they must offer physical sciences, life sciences, mathematical sciences, social sciences and arts courses.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) offers accreditation for nursing programs as an autonomous agency. According to the CCNE, a nursing program should strive to improve the overall health of the public. Through its review process, the CCNE ensures a program offers a quality education with integrity at its heart. The CCNE offers certification to achieve at least five purposes. First, the CCNE holds nursing programs to a high standard to serve the interest of the community through its nursing program. Second, the CCNE evaluates the success of nursing programs in meeting the first goal. Third, the CCNE assesses the program's ability to meet CCNE standards. Fourth, the CCNE strives to inform the public of quality nursing programs and to instill trust in the public of accredited programs' graduates. Finally, the CCNE strives to improve the continual improvement of nursing education.
According to All Nursing Schools, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) certifies specialty nursing programs in anesthesia. These programs include master's and post-doctorate programs. In addition to the high standards of other certifications, these programs must offer both courses and clinical experience in anesthesia.