International Nursing Program Accreditation

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is committed to being a supportive partner in strengthening the quality of nursing education for all levels of nursing programs domestically and internationally. With a longstanding history of accreditation dating back 66 years, the ACEN accredited its first international program in 2004 adding international accreditation to its repertoire. Recognizing geographic, cultural, and national differences, the ACEN common core of Standards and Criteria equip faculty with autonomy to embrace unique attributes of their programs regardless of location, culture, and nationality. Further, the ACEN review process fosters self-evaluation, peer review, and the promotion of educational equity, access, and mobility. As a result, the number of international nursing programs pursuing and attaining accreditation with the ACEN has increased thus validating the inclusiveness and relevance of the ACEN Standards and Criteria. The purpose of this article is to highlight ways in which ACEN Standards and Criteria apply to domestic and international nursing programs.