Why CCNE Accreditation Matters for Your RN to BSN

Roughly two-thirds of employed RNs still hold an associate degree or diploma as their highest nursing credential, yet Magnet hospitals and most MSN and DNP programs now expect a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited bachelor's before they'll even open your application. That gap between where nurses are and where employers and graduate schools want them creates real friction for working RNs weighing a bachelor's completion program on top of full-time shifts.

Charter Oak State College's online RN/ADN to BSN program just earned the maximum 10-year CCNE accreditation term, announced August 5, 2026, proof that fully online, working-nurse-friendly formats can meet the same bar as traditional campus programs.

That distinction, CCNE versus ACEN, versus no accreditation at all, is exactly what separates a degree that transfers cleanly from one that stalls at a registrar's desk.

What Is CCNE Accreditation?

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is the leading programmatic accreditor for bachelor's and graduate nursing degrees in the United States, and it currently has 146 nursing programs and residency programs under review across 88 institutions and 12 healthcare organizations, a snapshot that reflects the scale of its ongoing oversight work.¹ CCNE describes itself as a nationally recognized accrediting agency,¹ and that recognition is what employers, licensing boards, and graduate schools rely on when they treat a CCNE-approved diploma as proof of a rigorous, standardized education rather than a marketing claim.

What CCNE Actually Evaluates

CCNE accreditation is program-specific, not institution-wide. That distinction matters for RN to BSN students specifically, because CCNE evaluates baccalaureate nursing programs (including RN to BSN completion tracks), graduate nursing programs, entry-to-practice nurse residency programs, and nurse practitioner fellowship and residency programs as separate categories, each measured against its own set of standards.¹ A college can hold CCNE accreditation for its traditional BSN while still needing separate review and approval for its RN to BSN pathway, so how to verify nursing school accreditation involves checking the specific program you plan to enter, not just the school's name recognition, which is the only way to confirm coverage.

The 2024 Standards Raise the Bar

CCNE's current benchmark is the Standards for Accreditation of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Programs (2024), which took effect January 1, 2025,² replacing the 2018 Standards that governed reviews through the end of 2024.³ Any on-site evaluation or self-study report submitted after that date is now measured against the newer framework,² which tightens expectations around curriculum design, faculty qualifications, and how consistently a program tracks graduate outcomes like licensure pass rates and completion. For working RNs comparing programs, this means a school's most recent CCNE review carries more weight than an older approval letter, since it reflects the sharper, current expectations rather than the looser standard retired at the close of 2024.

Why the Distinction Matters for RN to BSN Students

Because CCNE folds RN to BSN completion programs into its baccalaureate-level review, a program with the maximum accreditation term has been vetted against the same curriculum and faculty benchmarks as a traditional four-year BSN, not a lighter, abbreviated standard. That equivalence is precisely what makes CCNE-approved credits transferable and graduate-school-ready, a thread the next sections unpack in more detail.

CCNE Vs. ACEN: Which Accreditation Matters for RN to BSN Students?

When RNs start comparing BSN completion programs, one of the first practical questions is which accrediting stamp to look for on the school's website. The two names that dominate the conversation are CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) and ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). Both are legitimate. Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. But they don't cover the same territory, and understanding the difference helps you make a smarter decision about your bridge program.

What Each Body Actually Accredits

The scope difference is the clearest way to tell these two apart:

• CCNE: Accredits baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs only. That means BSN, MSN, DNP, post-graduate APRN certificates, and nurse residency programs. CCNE does not accredit LPN/LVN, diploma, or associate degree nursing programs. It operates as an autonomous arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).⁵
• ACEN: Accredits every level of nursing education, from practical/vocational nursing and diplomas through associate, baccalaureate, master's, and clinical doctorate programs. You'll find ACEN across community colleges, technical schools, and universities alike.¹

If you earned your ADN at a community college, there is a strong chance your program was ACEN-accredited, which is why so many RNs first encounter ACEN before they ever hear the letters CCNE. That familiarity sometimes creates the assumption that ACEN is the default nursing accreditor at every level. For baccalaureate and graduate work, that isn't quite right.

Why CCNE Tends to Be the University BSN Standard

CCNE was built specifically for collegiate nursing education. Its review model is self-regulatory and continuous-improvement oriented, based on institutional self-study, peer review, and alignment with AACN's baccalaureate and graduate essentials. Because most four-year universities that offer BSN programs are AACN member schools, CCNE is the accreditation you'll most often see attached to university-based RN to BSN pathways.

ACEN, by contrast, uses a more prescriptive, standards-driven review process with heavy emphasis on measurable outcomes and compliance documentation. That approach works well across a very wide range of institution types, which is part of why ACEN spans the full nursing education ladder.

Which One Matters for You as an RN to BSN Student

For the great majority of RN to BSN students, the honest answer is: either one is acceptable. Both accreditations support federal financial aid eligibility (when paired with regional institutional accreditation), both are recognized by state boards of nursing, and nursing employers generally treat the two as equivalent when reviewing job applicants.³

Where a preference can emerge is graduate school. Most MSN and DNP programs accept a BSN from either a CCNE or ACEN-accredited program. However, a subset of competitive university-based graduate programs, particularly those affiliated with AACN or housed within major academic medical centers, may state a CCNE preference in their admissions criteria.⁴ If your long-term plan points toward a specific NP, CNS, or DNP program, check that program's admissions page before you enroll in a bridge. If it lists a preference, follow it. If it accepts both (most do), choose the RN to BSN program that best fits your schedule, budget, and transfer credits.

As of 2026, publicly available totals for baccalaureate programs accredited by each body aren't a citable source we can responsibly reference, so we'll skip specific figures. What matters more than the raw count is verifying accreditation for the specific program you're considering, which we cover in the verification step later in this guide.

Why Accreditation Matters for Transfer Credits and Graduate School Admission

A non-accredited RN to BSN degree closes the door to graduate nursing education before you even apply. For working nurses, that means the time and money invested in a bachelor's completion program can become a dead end if the program lacks the right stamp of approval. The reason is straightforward: the overwhelming majority of MSN, DNP, and other advanced practice programs require applicants to hold a BSN from a programmatically accredited nursing school, specifically one recognized by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Graduate Programs Set the Bar: CCNE or ACEN Required

Master's and doctoral nursing programs across the country define their admission prerequisites in clear terms: the BSN must come from a CCNE‑ or ACEN‑accredited institution. This requirement is not a suggestion buried in fine print; it is a published, non‑negotiable condition. Highly ranked DNP programs at the University of Kentucky, Wayne State University, and Illinois State University explicitly list CCNE or ACEN accreditation as a baseline for BSN graduates.¹³⁴ Some schools, such as the University of Florida's MSN‑to‑DNP and Florida Gulf Coast University's DNP, extend the acceptable list to include CNEA or COA⁹⁶, but the common thread remains: programmatic accreditation is the gatekeeper.

A handful of universities leave a narrow escape hatch for applicants whose BSN came from a non‑accredited program. Florida International University's DNP, for instance, notes that such candidates may be considered on an individual basis.² Yet these exceptions require extensive documentation, including proof of institutional accreditation, detailed course syllabi, and a strong licensure record. In practice, entering a competitive graduate program without a CCNE‑ or ACEN‑earned BSN puts your application at a severe disadvantage, often requiring extra hurdles that most nurses could have avoided entirely by selecting an accredited bachelor's program.

How Transfer Credits Actually Work

Transfer‑credit policies add another layer of risk. Even when a regionally accredited university evaluates credit earned at another regionally accredited school, nursing courses typically must also carry programmatic accreditation to be accepted. A BSN anatomy or pharmacology class taken through a non‑accredited RN to BSN program will frequently be rejected by graduate admission committees, even if the same course title and credit hours exist elsewhere. The result is that nurses may be told they need to repeat foundational coursework before they can start an MSN or DNP, effectively extending their timeline and tuition bill.

This dynamic also affects bridge programs. When an RN who earned an associate degree from an ACEN‑accredited ADN program later completes a BSN at a college that lacks CCNE or ACEN accreditation, the gap can block seamless articulation into graduate study. Admissions reviewers look at the entire educational pathway, and a break in the chain of accredited nursing education often triggers extra scrutiny or outright denial.

Real‑World Program Examples

The pattern holds across the country. Carson‑Newman University's MSN program requires a BSN from an NLN‑ or CCNE‑accredited school⁷, while the University of Texas at Arlington's MSN and DNP programs accept ACEN, CCNE, or an equivalent accrediting body.⁸ Liberty University's DNP in psychiatric mental health specifies ACEN or CCNE for the qualifying BSN.⁵ In every case, the accreditation requirement is front and center on the admissions page. This consistency signals a professional norm: advanced nursing education builds on a foundation that has been validated by a recognized nursing accreditor.

The Cost of Choosing a Non‑Accredited Program

Should you complete an unaccredited RN to BSN, the consequences can multiply. Graduate school doors close. If a university does allow individual review, you may need to retake entire semesters of nursing content to demonstrate equivalency. Even employer‑sponsored tuition reimbursement plans often require that the degree come from an accredited program, meaning your out‑of‑pocket cost can rise. The worst‑case scenario is discovering at the end of your BSN that the credential will not move you forward, and that the savings from a cheaper, non‑accredited program evaporate in lost time and repeated coursework.

For the Working RN: Protect Your Investment

If your ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse educator, your BSN is the platform. That platform must be built to code. Choosing a CCNE‑ or ACEN‑accredited RN to BSN program is the surest way to keep every possible graduate pathway open. Before you enroll, verify a program's accreditation status directly through the CCNE or ACEN directory, not just through a school's marketing materials, and confirm that it will satisfy the prerequisite language of the MSN or DNP programs you may one day pursue. The upfront diligence is small compared to the cost of hitting a dead end later.

How to Verify Your RN to BSN Program's Accreditation Status

Confirming a program's accreditation before you enroll is one of the most important steps you can take as a prospective RN to BSN student. The process is straightforward, but there are a few nuances that catch people off guard. Follow these five steps to make sure the program you are considering holds current, legitimate CCNE accreditation.

Step 1: Open the CCNE Accredited Programs Directory

Start at the official CCNE directory, hosted at directory.ccnecommunity.org. This is the only authoritative source for CCNE accreditation status, and it covers programs accredited from 1997 to the present.² You can search by institution name or by state. The directory also links directly to each institution's website, making it easy to explore program details once you find a listing.

Step 2: Filter by "Baccalaureate" Under Program Type

The directory offers a program-type filter with options including Baccalaureate, Master's, DNP, Post-graduate APRN Certificate, and several residency categories. Select "Baccalaureate" to narrow your results. Here is the critical detail many applicants miss: the directory does not have a separate category for RN to BSN programs.¹ There is also no filter for delivery format (online, hybrid, or on-campus). RN to BSN tracks are accredited as part of a school's broader baccalaureate nursing program, so they appear under the general "Baccalaureate" listing rather than as a standalone entry. You will need to visit the school's own website or catalog to confirm that it offers an RN to BSN track within its accredited baccalaureate program.

Step 3: Search by State or Institution Name

Enter the name of the school or the state where it is headquartered. Keep in mind that the directory lists institutions under their main campus or headquarters state. If a university operates satellite campuses or clinical sites in multiple states, it will still appear only under its home state. Review results carefully and match the exact program title. Schools sometimes operate several nursing programs at different degree levels, so do not assume that accreditation at one level (Master's, for example) automatically covers the baccalaureate program.

Step 4: Confirm Current Accreditation Status

Once you locate the institution, the directory displays key details you should review:

• Accreditation end date: This tells you when the current accreditation term expires. A program in good standing will show an active date that has not yet passed.
• Most recent evaluation: This indicates when CCNE last reviewed the program.
• Next scheduled evaluation: This shows when the program is due for its next review cycle.

If the accreditation end date has passed or the listing shows any adverse action, treat that as a serious warning. A program that has lost accreditation or allowed it to lapse may not qualify you for graduate school admission, employer tuition reimbursement, or certain certifications.

Step 5: Cross-Check With the U.S. Department of Education's DAPIP

As a final verification, visit the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, commonly known as DAPIP, maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Search by institution name and match on the city and state of the main campus. DAPIP confirms that the accrediting body itself (in this case, CCNE) holds federal recognition, and it may list additional instructional locations that do not appear in CCNE's directory because of its headquarters-state listing policy.

This two-source approach, checking both the CCNE directory and DAPIP, gives you the most complete picture. Like CCNE's directory, DAPIP does not break out RN to BSN as a separate accredited category, so you will still need to confirm the specific track through the school's published program information.

Taking ten minutes to run through these steps can save you years of frustration. A BSN degree from a program without proper accreditation may not transfer, may not satisfy employer requirements, and may not open the door to MSN, DNP, or APRN programs down the road. Verify first, enroll second.

Red Flags: Signs an RN to BSN Program Isn't Properly Accredited

Fraudulent nursing programs have drawn national attention in recent years, with federal investigations like Operation Nightingale exposing schemes involving fake transcripts, fabricated clinical hours, and diploma-mill degrees.² For RNs shopping for a legitimate BSN completion program, knowing how to spot warning signs is just as important as knowing what proper accreditation looks like. Here are five red flags that should prompt you to walk away.

The Program Claims Accreditation From an Unrecognized Agency

Legitimate RN to BSN programs hold nursing-specific accreditation from CCNE, ACEN, or the NLN's Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA).³ If a school touts "national accreditation" from an agency you have never heard of, check whether that body is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). An accreditor that appears on neither list is a serious concern. Some fraudulent schools have invented official-sounding names to mislead applicants, and state boards of nursing have flagged institutions such as Med-Life Institute, Palm Beach School of Nursing, Siena College of Health, and others as fraudulent operations.¹

The School Is Vague or Defensive About Documentation

A properly accredited program will readily share its accreditation letter, the name of its accrediting body, and the term of accreditation. If admissions staff dodge the question, redirect you to unrelated marketing materials, or become defensive when you ask for specifics, treat that as a disqualifying signal. Transparency is baseline, not optional.

The Website Uses "State-Approved" as a Substitute

State approval and programmatic nursing accreditation are two different things. Some programs lean heavily on phrases like "state-approved" or "authorized by the state board" while never naming a recognized nursing accreditor. State authorization means the institution is legally permitted to operate; it does not confirm that the nursing curriculum meets the educational standards required for graduate school admission, employer recognition, or certain certifications. Look for the accreditor's name spelled out on the program page, not vague phrasing designed to create an impression of legitimacy.

The Program Does Not Appear in Official Directories

Both CCNE and ACEN maintain searchable online directories of every program they have accredited. If a program claims accreditation from either body but does not appear in the corresponding directory, that claim is unverified at best. Take two minutes and search: it is the fastest way to confirm whether the program's status is real.

Promises That Sound Too Good to Be True

Be wary of programs advertising a complete BSN in six months, awarding large blocks of "life experience" credit toward nursing coursework, or guaranteeing job placement and licensure. Accredited RN to BSN programs typically require a structured curriculum with defined credit hours, clinical or practicum components where applicable, and faculty with documented credentials. Programs that cut those corners may leave you with a degree that state boards, employers, and graduate schools will not recognize.

Protecting Yourself

Before committing tuition dollars, review the 6 most important considerations in choosing an online nursing program and take these steps:

• Search the CCNE and ACEN directories for the specific program (not just the institution).
• Confirm the school holds regional or institutional accreditation recognized by the Department of Education.
• Contact your state board of nursing to verify the program's approval status.
• Ask for faculty credentials, clinical site details, and a clear program timeline.
• Review NCLEX-RN pass rate data if published; consistently low rates across multiple years can signal deeper curricular problems.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has issued public warnings about fraudulent nursing schools, and the NCSBN offers guidance on fraud detection. When in doubt, consult these resources. Your BSN should open doors to graduate study, career advancement, and employer confidence, not raise questions about whether your education was legitimate in the first place.

Case Study: Charter Oak State College's 10-Year CCNE Accreditation

Charter Oak State College's online RN to BSN program earned the highest possible stamp of approval from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education: a full 10-year accreditation term, announced on August 5, 2026.¹ This decision shattered any lingering myth that a fully remote nursing degree cannot meet the profession's most rigorous standards.

A Milestone for Online Nursing Education

As Connecticut's public online college, Charter Oak holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).³ The college designed its Nursing: RN/ADN to BSN program for working RNs who need a flexible, affordable path to a bachelor's degree. The 27-credit curriculum, grounded in the 2021 AACN Essentials, focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, population health, and interprofessional collaboration.¹ By earning the maximum 10-year accreditation , valid through June 30, 2036 , the program demonstrated that its online delivery, faculty expertise, and student outcomes align with the demanding criteria CCNE applies to traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.

Inside the Program: What Sets It Apart

The program accepts RNs with an associate degree in nursing or nursing diploma from regionally accredited schools. Although enrollment is open to residents of most states, certain states, including Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, are currently excluded, so prospective students should check eligibility.² To further support working nurses, Charter Oak allows the transfer of up to two nursing courses from other CCNE- or ACEN-accredited RN-to-BSN programs, provided the grade is C or better and the nursing director approves.² This policy reduces time and cost for RNs who have already made progress toward a BSN elsewhere.

A Shared Achievement

Program director Kathy Murphy, Ed.D., MSN, RN, captured the spirit behind the recognition: 'Our success is truly a shared accomplishment.'¹ Her words reflect the collaborative effort of faculty, staff, institutional leaders, students, alumni, advisory board members, and healthcare practice partners who contributed to continuous program improvement. This kind of broad-based engagement is exactly what CCNE evaluators look for when granting the longest possible accreditation term.

Flexibility Without Compromise

The 10-year accreditation confirms that rigor and flexibility are not mutually exclusive. RNs who complete this CCNE-accredited BSN can confidently apply to graduate nursing programs, pursue advanced practice roles, or meet employer requirements for a baccalaureate degree, all without ever setting foot on a physical campus. Fall 2026 classes begin August 24, and interested RNs can request information at CharterOak.edu/UG.¹ For nurses who need to balance work, family, and education, Charter Oak's achievement offers a powerful example of how online learning can deliver the same quality and recognition as any on-ground program.

How Long Does CCNE Accreditation Last? Terms and Renewal Explained

CCNE accreditation is not a one-time event. Programs earn a fixed term and must undergo periodic renewal to maintain their status. Understanding the timeline helps you gauge how recently a program was vetted and when it will be reassessed.

Two Possible Term Lengths: 5 Years vs. 10 Years

CCNE awards accreditation for either 5 or 10 years. The maximum term for a newly accredited program is 5 years,³ while established programs that continue to meet all standards may receive up to 10 years. A 10-year term signals that the program demonstrated strong compliance across all four CCNE standards: mission and governance, institutional commitment and resources, curriculum and teaching-learning practices, and program effectiveness and outcomes.⁴ A shorter 5-year term, whether for initial or continuing accreditation, does not mean a program is failing. It typically indicates that the board identified areas needing closer monitoring or that the program is still building a longer track record. Programs with a 5-year term must submit additional progress reports and may undergo another on-site evaluation sooner.

How the Renewal Process Works

To renew accreditation, a program must complete a rigorous self-study, host an on-site evaluation by a CCNE team, and submit annual reports.⁵ The self-study is a comprehensive document in which the program analyzes its own performance against each standard and identifies strengths and areas for improvement. The on-site visit allows evaluators to verify the self-study, interview faculty and students, and review resources firsthand.

Between major renewal cycles, programs must also file continuous improvement progress reports (CIPRs).⁶ For a program on a 10-year cycle, these mid-cycle reports keep the board informed without requiring another full site visit. If a program was granted a 5-year term, the CIPRs may be more frequent and targeted toward specific concerns. Programs must request reevaluation before their current term expires, and the board scheduling ensures that a new on-site evaluation takes place before the expiration date.

The 2024 Standards Update and Its Impact on Terms

CCNE revised its accreditation standards in 2024, with the new criteria effective January 1, 2025.⁴ All on-site evaluations and reports submitted after that date must use the 2024 Standards. This update refines expectations around mission alignment, resource allocation, and outcome assessment but does not change the maximum term lengths. However, programs seeking a full 10-year term under the new standards must demonstrate thorough compliance in areas like faculty qualifications and curriculum responsiveness to healthcare trends. Established programs with a history of strong performance under previous standards are well-positioned to earn the maximum term again, while programs with evolving outcomes may see a shorter term as they align with the revised criteria.

Real-World Examples of Accreditation Terms

Many programs successfully earn a full 10-year term. For instance, American College of Education's reaccreditation in 2025 granted maximum terms for its BSN programs and MSN programs through December 31, 2035. Commonwealth University's nursing programs received 10-year terms expiring June 30, 2032, even amid a merger, demonstrating that the board may exercise discretion when a program shows strong evidence of quality. In a May 2025 action list, a master's program received a term ending June 30, 2035 with a next on-site evaluation in Fall 2034, while a DNP program's term ended June 30, 2030 with a visit in Fall 2029.⁷ These examples align with the typical 10-year cycle for established, high-performing programs.

On the other hand, a program granted only a 5-year term might be one that is newly accredited or that has outstanding compliance concerns. Although CCNE does not publicly name programs receiving shorter terms, the nursing education community understands that a 5-year term prompts the program to address specific recommendations and report progress sooner, ensuring continuous improvement.

Does Accreditation Affect Employer Hiring and Financial Aid?

Choosing an RN to BSN program often involves a delicate balance between upfront cost and long-term career mobility. A program without national nursing accreditation might appear to save money on tuition, but that initial saving can swiftly evaporate when you discover the degree does not unlock employer tuition reimbursement, preferred hiring pathways, or even future licensure advancement. The real question is not simply whether accreditation exists, but whether it carries the right type of weight in a competitive healthcare job market.

Federal Financial Aid Hinges on Institutional Accreditation, Not CCNE

It is important to separate two layers of accreditation. Federal Title IV financial aid, including Pell Grants and Direct Loans, requires the institution itself to hold regional or national institutional accreditation. CCNE accreditation, as a programmatic credential, is not a direct prerequisite for that federal aid¹. However, the picture gets more complex when you look at state grant programs and private education loans. Some state-funded nursing grants explicitly stipulate that the degree program must be accredited by CCNE or ACEN¹. A program lacking that programmatic stamp can inadvertently block those funding streams even if the school qualifies for institutional aid.

• Institutional accreditation: Required for federal loans and grants.
• Programmatic accreditation: Often required for state nursing grants and some private lenders.
• Practical impact: Without programmatic accreditation, you may be limited to federal aid while losing supplementary funding that makes education affordable.

Employer Tuition Reimbursement Often Requires CCNE or ACEN

Large healthcare employers structure tuition reimbursement benefits around nursing program quality. One prominent example is Broward Health's tuition reimbursement policy, which explicitly requires a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited degree program and provides up to $5,250 annually. Other major systems similarly maintain approved school lists that almost universally require programmatic accreditation. A nurse enrolled in a non-accredited RN to BSN program will typically find the reimbursement request denied.

Magnet Hospitals and Large Systems Prefer Programmatically Accredited Degrees

Hiring managers at Magnet-designated hospitals and academic medical centers often treat programmatic accreditation as a baseline filter. While state boards of nursing generally do not require CCNE or ACEN for initial RN licensure, magnet facilities and teaching hospitals actively prefer or require BSN degrees from programmatically accredited schools. Their human resources departments view such accreditation as a signal of consistent curriculum quality and clinical readiness. In fact, job postings at these institutions routinely list CCNE or ACEN accreditation as a preferred qualification for BSN-prepared nurses, and comparable standards extend to academic medical centers for both staff and leadership roles.² A graduate without that credential may find their application deprioritized, even if they hold a valid RN license.

The Indirect Link to Licensure and Advanced Practice

While most state boards do not mandate programmatic accreditation for RN licensure, the path becomes narrower for advanced practice. Certification bodies for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists require a graduate degree from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program. A BSN from an unaccredited school can therefore create a roadblock when it comes time to apply to accredited MSN or DNP programs. In this way, a decision made during the RN to BSN phase ripples into graduate study eligibility and future scope of practice.

Related Articles