As Americans find study abroad exciting, the same is true when one considers studying in America. For those interested in nursing programs, the United States offers many opportunities. So many in fact, that it can be confusing, with over 3,000 nursing programs spread throughout every state in the United States. Additionally, these programs range from pre-professional through master's speciality programs and doctoral study.

Perhaps the most important issue when one considers studying any subject, especially in a foreign country, is to be able to select a program in which you have confidence. In nursing, prospective students are assisted in this effort by the voluntary process of accreditation. The second issue is the type of nursing program. In the United States, there are several types of nursing programs.

Evaluating the level of excellence of a course of study or a college is often difficult, and accrediting bodies have been developed to address this need. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) is the entity which is presently authorized by the Department of Education (of the United States) to accredit all nursing education schools and programs. Nursing programs voluntarily request to participate in the process as one way to demonstrate their level of excellence.

The purposes of the accreditation of education programs are to:

Accreditation serves to provide assurance that schools and nursing programs meet or exceed agreed upon standards and criteria. The accreditation process in nursing requires a rigorous self-evaluation by the program, an appraisal by respected and competent peers, and a subsequent review and decision by the NLNAC governing body. Periodic re-examinations are required in order to ensure that standards and criteria are being maintained, areas in which improvement is needed are identified, and plans are developed for addressing needed improvements. NLNAC annually published a list of programs which continue to achieve an acceptable level of quality. Ultimately, the public, the community, and the nation benefit from educated nurses.

Accreditation practice is an examination of three major aspects of program quality: resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved. Such an approach starts with a review and confirmation of the adequacy of resources available to the program, including reasonable and dependable expectations of its particular student population (academic preparation, education goals, and socioeconomic status). The program then sets program goals which reflect the expected results of program efforts, given the mix of resources available. The evidence is then compiled to confirm the progress which is being made toward these goals over time. NLNAC then tries to align results to program purpose, including expected results in research and service as well as student learning, depending on the purpose of the program and the parent institution.

Types of Nursing Programs

Baccalaureate Degree:
A degree program affiliated with senior colleges and universities, leading to the baccalaureate nursing degree. Graduates are eligible for licensure as a registered nurse, and employment in a variety of inpatient care settings and ambulatory care settings, including hospitals, community agencies, schools, industries, home health care, and clinics. A baccalaureate degree is required for additional preparation at the master's and doctoral levels.

Master's Degree:
A program leading to a graduate degree with a major in nursing offered by a senior college or university.

The master's degree builds on the knowledge, skills and competencies of baccalaureate nursing education, and provides for the attainment of advanced knowledge and speciality nursing practice. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings and a variety of advanced practice nursing roles, such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Administrator. The master's degree is usually required for entry into doctoral study.

Nursing Doctorate Degree:
A post baccalaureate nursing doctorate curriculum provides for entry into professional nursing practice, and preparation for initial licensure.

Graduates are prepared to practice within and across diverse health care settings. This program is designed for the person who holds a baccalaureate degree in another field.

Associate Degree:
A program usually affiliated with junior, technical and community colleges, leading to the associate degree in nursing.

Some associate degree programs are found in senior colleges and universities. Associate degree programs are usually two years in length, and include course work in general education and nursing. Graduates are eligible for licensure as a registered nurse, and are prepared to practice in structured care settings.

Diploma:
Usually a hospital-based program, with a course of study of two to three years in length leading to the award of a diploma.

There may be an affiliation with a junior or senior college for the general education component of the curriculum. Graduates are eligible for licensure as registered nurses, and are generally employed in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Practical Nursing:
A program one year in length leading to a diploma.

Programs may be found in hospital settings, vocational settings, or junior and community college settings. The graduate is eligible for licensure as a licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse. The practical nurse functions under the guidance and direction of a registered nurse.

For the student from abroad considering nursing, it would be advantageous to include accreditation status as part of your investigative process. By selecting an accredited program, you can not only have confidence in the quality of the program chosen, it will also assure prospective employers of the quality of the education you have received. The choice of program type should be made based on your goals, and what type of nursing you want to practice. Additional issues like time and finances will also play a part in the decision-making process.

If you are already a nursing student and are considering the possibility of taking one or two nursing courses in the United States, it is essential that you consult with your current faculty before starting your investigations. Issues like transferability of credit for a particular course need to be addressed, so that you can proceed with confidence. Furthermore, your program may be one of those which already has an established arrangement with a nursing program in the United States.

For information about accreditation of nursing programs and the current directory of accredited programs, see the NLNAC web page at www.accrediting-comm-ninac.org.

Author
Carol Gilbert, PhD, RN
NLNAC Associate Director