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Finding Accredited Nursing Schools To Study At
Accredited nursing schools are an essential part of the education to become a nurse. Whether you desire to become an LVN/LPN (Licensed vocational nurse/licensed practical nurse), an RN (registered nurse) or BSN (bachelor’s of science in nursing), the accreditation of the school you choose matters.

People who love helping others often find themselves drawn to becoming a nurse. These careers require education, though, ranging from about a year for a LVN to four years for a BSN. More advanced degrees are possible, but most require a BSN first. LVNs typically complete a program of study, or a certificate, while many RNs have associate’s degrees. BSN nurses are licensed RNs with bachelors degrees in nursing.

Licensing is required to become a nurse in every state in the US. This licensing is usually done by exam, which is available to students who have completed an approved program of study. Different licensing requirements exist in each state, so it’s important to know the situation for your state of residence.

Accreditation is the process through which a school proves that it provides a quality education. Public schools are all accredited, and so are many private schools. The process takes time and effort, but in the end the accreditation agency gives them a stamp of approval that assures other schools, outside agencies, and students of their status as valid program.

One of the major loopholes in accreditation is that anyone can become an accreditation board, however. So, the accreditation of your potential school is only as good as the agency that accredits it. The US Department of Education and some private organizations keep a list of valid accreditation agencies, so it’s a good idea to check and see if the accreditation board that accredits your school is listed.

Most physical campuses have accreditation from valid agencies. It’s important to be wary of online programs, however. While there are a great many that are valid programs that assist students who cannot attend a physical school, there are some that are scams. The occasional school claiming to be accredited by a valid accrediting board that is completely lying is out there, so check up on the credentials of any school that seems too good to be true.

For professions such as nursing, where licensing by the state is required to be employed, the accredited nursing schools or programs are especially important. Students who did not graduate from an approved program will generally not be allowed to take the licensing exam, and all their hard work can be for nothing. Checking with the licensing board in your state as to which accreditation agencies are approved can be a good step for peace of mind.