Nursing Accreditation

Accreditation "is a process of recognizing educational institutions for performance, integrity and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the educational community and the public. In the United States, this recognition is extended largely through nongovernmental, voluntary membership associations that establish accreditation criteria, evaluate institutions against [those] criteria and approve institutions that meet the criteria." (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities)

SCC's nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The Spokane Community College Nursing Program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Quality Assurance Commission.

The ACEN is the entity that is responsible for the specialized accreditation of nursing education programs, both postsecondary and higher degree, which offer either a certificate, a diploma, or a recognized professional degree (clinical doctorate, master’s/post-master’s certificate, baccalaureate, associate, diploma, and practical). - ACEN

Program accreditation means a program meets specific national standards determined by an accrediting body, such as ACEN.

Program approval means a program meets standards defined by state rules and regulations. In the case of nursing, a program also must meet rules and regulations defined by the state Nurse Practice Act. State program approval allows nursing graduates to sit for the national certification exam (NCLEX) to be licensed as registered nurses.

In Washington, nursing program approval is determined by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission under the state Department of Health. This means SCC graduates can sit for the national certification exam (NCLEX).