Universities and colleges receive accreditation from Regional, National Faith-Related or National Career-Related Accreditation Organizations. Accreditation organizations are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Regional Accrediting Organizations are broken up to serve various parts of the nation:
* Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
* New England Association of Schools and Colleges
* North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
* Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
* Western Association of Schools and Colleges
* Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Nursing departments or programs can receive national accreditation from accrediting bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and The American College of Nurse-Midwives Accreditation Commission.
Ultimately, accreditation is important both for the university/college and the nursing department or program. However, if a nursing department loses its accreditation it doesn't mean you can't go on to become a licensed nurse. In many states, if the university and/or college is accredited by a Regional Accrediting Organization, you can still take the National Council Licensure Examination.
When deciding where to enroll, consider not only if the school or program is accredited, but who they are accredited by. Accreditation bodies aren't all the same; each has its own scope of practice and standards. Do your homework regarding diploma mills and other potentially unscrupulous accrediting bodies at the U.S. Department of Education website.
Learn more about accreditation by visiting your state's nursing board website. From there you can obtain specific information on each medical profession's scope of practice, examination requirements, and types of licensure and certifications, as well as a list of accredited nursing schools before you enroll.