As a "nationally recognized accrediting agency for both post-secondary and higher degree programs in nursing education," the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits more than 600 associate degree nursing programs throughout the United States. The state of California has more than 20 community colleges with NLNAC-accredited nursing programs alone. Schools such as Cerritos Community College, College of Marin, San Diego City College and Santa Monica College have accredited associate nursing programs, for example.
With accredited associate degree nursing programs virtually nationwide, the National Associate for Practical Nurse Education and Service has an online directory of accredited schools. In conjunction with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and other state nursing boards around the country, NAPNES also developed a set of professional standards for student and professional nurses entitled "Standards of Practice and Educational Competencies of Graduates of Practical/Vocational Nursing Programs." Many schools on the NAPNES directory align these standards with associate degree nursing programs and professional testing, too.
In conjunction with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Council on Occupational Education accredits occupational programs, including associate degree nursing programs, in 11 different U.S. states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia. SACS Commission on Colleges directory has a list of accredited nursing schools for other states such as South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia, as well. Other associations, such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, has like information about accredited associate degree nursing programs for states such as California and Hawaii.
The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools is a national agency that accredits associate degree nursing programs throughout the U.S. It also accredits programs from areas outside the U.S., including Canada and Guam, for example. The organization's database has accredited college nursing programs listed on its website. Although the U.S. Department of Education does not accredit schools or nursing programs, the department publishes information about which schools or programs are accredited. The U.S. Department of Education's Post-secondary Institutions and Programs website has lists of schools for nearly every trade school, college or university that offers associate degree nursing programs.