Accreditation: What Is It and Why Should I Care?

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Catherine Holland July 31, 2014

Learn about the benefits of going to a nursing school that is accredited.

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

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Accreditation is a term that refers to a school or program’s recognition by an independent association established to set educational standards for an academic field.

Schools develop courses and programs to meet the standards established by the accrediting agency, and then apply for recognition by the accreditor. If the program meets those standards and completes the application requirements, the agency accredits the program or school in that area.

Accrediting agencies return at regular intervals to verify that schools and programs continue to uphold or exceed those standards and that they have the financial resources to deliver the promised education. In nursing education, this review process provides an opportunity for accreditors to help schools stay on top of new developments, which in turn lead to better outcomes for patients.

The US Department of Education recognizes two national accrediting agencies in nursing: the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

There are additional accrediting agencies, such as the Accreditation Commission for Nurse Midwifery or the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs, that accredit particular specializations within nursing. In addition, there is the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which accredits continuing education nursing programs.

Accreditation in nursing is important for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates to prospective students that the educational programs offered by an accredited school meet the standards that nursing leaders agree are essential to produce highly qualified nurses.

Secondly, because schools develop programs that uphold these standards, their graduates have better employment prospects than students from non-accredited schools. Healthcare providers, such as hospitals or community clinics, recognize that accredited program graduates have developed the set of skills and expertise necessary to provide effective patient care. Many employers will not hire nurses who graduate from non-accredited programs, and most accredited nursing schools will not accept coursework or degrees from non-accredited nursing programs.

Finally, students at schools or programs not accredited by US Department of Education recognized accreditation agencies cannot apply for federal financial aid. This puts students at non-accredited programs in the position of having to secure private loans to pay for their education, with uncertain employment prospects at the end of their program. There are associations claiming to provide accreditation, but the legitimate agencies are listed here.

Sources:

Accreditation Manual. (n.d.). Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Retrieved July 31, 2014, from ACEN