Accreditation

Accreditation is a hallmark of educational quality and we’re proud to share our credentials below.

Our September 2023 Accreditation Visit 

On September 27-29, 2023, the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) had a successful on-site evaluation for the reaccreditation of its baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree programs in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE is officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. Penn Nursing was granted a full, ten-year reaccreditation for all evaluated programs. 

Penn Nursing first achieved the maximum accreditation standing through the CCNE in 2004. CCNE evaluated our DNP Program and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program in April 2021 and granted maximum accreditation through December 2026. CCNE, the accrediting branch of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), is officially recognized by the US Department of Education for baccalaureate and higher degree programs. Prior to 2004, Penn Nursing was accredited by the National League for Nursing. University wide accreditation can be viewed here. Additionally, selected programs must meet the accreditation requirements of accrediting bodies specific for their specialty focus.

Accreditations

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

CCNE Accredited logo

The entry to practice professional nursing programs and advanced practice (Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Graduate APRN Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Mailing address: 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs and the Master’s of Science Nurse Practitioner programs are approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Mailing address: State Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing’s DNP Nurse Anesthesia program is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) degree was approved by the COA in January 2016. The completion DNP degree and distance education options were approved in June 2016. Mailing address: 10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906, Rosemont, IL 60018-5603. Main number: (224) 275-9130; email: accreditation@coacrna.org.

Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education 

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing’s Nurse Midwifery program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Currently, the Nurse-Midwifery Program has a reaccreditation status through February 2032. Mailing address: Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) c/o American College of Nurse-Midwives, Suite 1230, 8403 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Pass Rate

Pass rates reflect the educational quality and rigor of our programs, and we’re proud to share our student outcomes below.

Undergraduate

NCLEX results reflect first attempt pass rate.

BSN/ABSN

NCLEX-RN 2021-2022: 90%
Administering Organization: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

Master’s

Master’s program certification results reflect candidates who sat for exams for calendar year January to December.

Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP

AANPCB 2022 Overall Pass Rate: 100%
AANPCB 2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 100%

ANCC 2022 Overall Pass Rate: 100%
ANCC 2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 100%

Certification Bodies: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP

ANCC 2022 Overall Pass Rate: 95%
ANCC 2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 95%

AACN 2022 Overall Pass Rate: 95%
AACN 2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 100%

Certification Bodies: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Post-Graduate APRN Certificate

ANCC 2022 Overall Pass Rate: 84%
ANCC 2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 84%

AACN 2022 Overall Pass Rate: 88%
AACN 2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 100%

Certification Bodies: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)

Family NP

ANCC 2022 Overall Pass Rate: 95%
ANCC 2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 95%

Certification Bodies: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Neonatal NP

2022 Overall Pass Rate: 100%
2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 100%

Certification Organization: National Certification Corporation (NCC)

Pediatric Acute Care NP

2022 Overall Pass Rate: 100%
2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 83%

Certification Organization: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)

Pediatric Primary Care NP

2022 Overall Pass Rate: 100%
2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 94%

Certification Organization: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

2022 Overall Pass Rate: 100%
2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 100%

Certification Organization: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Women’s Health/Gender-Related NP

2022 Overall Pass Rate: 100%
2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 100%

Certification Organization: National Certification Corporation (NCC)

Nurse-Midwifery

Pass rate within 1 year of graduation for 2022 graduates: 100%
Pass rate within 1 year of graduation for 2021 graduates: 100%
Pass rate within 1 year of graduation for 2020 graduates: 100%*
Certification Organization: American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
*The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) requires the program to publicize rates of AMCB certification within one year of graduation for all students in each cohort graduating in the past three years

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Doctor of Nursing Practice program certification results reflect candidates who sat for exams in January to December of the reporting year.

Nurse Anesthesia

2022 Overall Pass Rate: 100%
2022 First Attempt Pass Rate: 86%

Certification Organization: National Certification Exam (NCE)

For more info, please contact our Admissions office.

Questions about the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing’s accreditation may be submitted to the accrediting organizations listed above either in writing by mail or via their websites. Copies of reports will be made available upon request to the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.