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Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Profile of Accrediting Organization, 2020-2021

33.8466378, -84.3692549

CEO
: Kathy Chappell, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN

Phone : 404-975-5000

Address:

3390 Peachtree Road, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326

Web: Visit Website

Profile of Accredited Programs, 2020-2021:

1,311

Accredited U.S. and non-U.S. Programs:

n/a

Students

1,311 Total Degree-Granting:

n/a	Public
n/a	Private Nonprofit
n/a	Private For-Profit

n/a Total Non-Degree-Granting:

n/a	Public
n/a	Private Nonprofit
n/a	Private For-Profit

Recognition Status as of 2020-2021:

Recognized by: Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education

Range of Accreditation Activity:

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the functions of accreditation.The purpose of the ACEN is to provide specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs located in the United States, U.S. Territories, and internationally. The ACEN accredits all types of nursing education programs, including clinical doctorate/DNP specialist certificate, master’s/post-master’s certificate, baccalaureate, associate, diploma, and practical nursing programs. The ACEN accredits nursing education programs in secondary, postsecondary, and hospital-based governing organizations that offer certificates, diplomas, or degrees. The ACEN serves as a Title IV-HEA Gatekeeper for all types of nursing education programs offered by certain institutions that are eligible to participate in financial aid programs administered by the United States Department of Education or other federal agencies. The ACEN accredits non-credit transition-to-practice programs for all levels of nursing practice. The ACEN accredits non-credit transition-to-practice programs offered by academic institutions (e.g., university, college, career center) and/or healthcare agencies (e.g., hospitals, long-term care, etc.).

Sponsoring Organization:

None.

International Accreditation Activity:

12	Non-U.S. institutions or programs operating outside the U.S.
0	U.S. institutions or programs operating outside the U.S.
No	Organization evaluates credentials or degrees from outside the U.S.

Operating Information for Accrediting Unit Only:

Budget:

$6,600,000

$0	Direct support from any sponsoring organization
$0	In-kind support from any sponsoring organization

Employees and Volunteers:

25	Full-time Employees
0	Part-time Employees
750	Volunteers - Served 2020-2021

Composition of Decision-Making Body

A total of 17 Commissioners of which 11 represent nursing education, 3 represent nursing service, and 3 represent the public.

Profile of 2020-2021 Accreditation Activities :

Frequency of Comprehensive Reviews and Required Follow-Up: first continuing comprehensive review is 5 years after initial accreditation is granted and then every 8 years thereafter

Frequency of Comprehensive Review of Accreditation Standards: Routinely every 5 years unless analysis of annual data indicates the need to conduct review process sooner

Summary of 2020-2021 Formal Actions:

43	Initial Candidacy or Preaccreditation Granted
n/a	Initial Candidacy or Preaccreditation Denied
41	Initial Accreditation Granted
2	Initial Accreditation Denied
112	Accreditation Continued Following Comprehensive Review
39	Accreditation Continued Following Comprehensive Review with Required Follow-up
n/a	Notice or Warning
8	Probation
n/a	Show Cause
0	Accreditation Terminated or Removed
0	Actions under Appeal
n/a	Other

Summary of Additional 2020-2021 Actions:

588	Substantive Changes Reviewed
192	Site Visits
17	Voluntary Discontinuance or Expiration of Accreditation