Traditional nursing education programs leading to a baccalaureate degree were four years in length, after secondary school, with clinical practice incorporated during the academic years. During the past two decades, several institutions developed programs to allow diploma‑prepared registered nurses to study and achieve a baccalaureate in nursing. These courses were usually two years of full time study or up to seven years of part‑time study (to accommodate practicing RNs).
Over the past decade, the concept of lifelong learning, new technologies and workplace pressure/support have led to the development of new and innovative approaches to nursing education. These new programs have received further stimulus in the past few years from the recognition of the current and impending nursing shortage by governments, employers, nurses and potential students.
In addition to the more traditional programs, universities and their collaborative college partners now offer: - Nursing degree programs at several sites
- Collaboratively articulated, integrated or harmonized programs at multiple sites – and with various linkages among institutions
- Nursing degree completion programs delivered partially or completely via distance modalities (audio tapes, video tapes, narrow cast or broad cast, CD ROMS, Internet)
- Generic or specialized nursing degree programs delivered partially or completely via distance
New and emerging nursing education program models and delivery methods have raised issues about how the CASN accreditation process can be adapted to address these changes, including the type of self‑study report(s), the logistics for the site(s) visits, the number of reviewers, the preparation/training of reviewers, sampling activities, the costs to schools and the demand on the Secretary and National Office staff. Collaborative Programs A preliminary "check list" must be completed by the school(s) prior to the final scheduling and decision on the number of reviewers and approach to the self-study. Candidacy reviews are required of colleges that enter into a partnership with a university around delivery of a baccalaureate program. If the program is new and developed in collaboration by both the university and the colleges, a candidacy review will likely be required of all partners.
Accreditation reviews are based on the degree granting institution; therefore, the university must be involved in the accreditation review and any college partners must be members of CASN and included in the accreditation review if the ultimate accreditation status is to apply to the program. Distance Programs Since the modes of delivery in distance programming may vary with each institution, a preliminary review must be made in order to determine how the reviewers can observe, interview and assess the quality of the program according to the criteria and indicators. Satellite or Extended Programs The accreditation status conferred by the Board applies to the programs, institutions and sites which were included in the self-study report and which were reviewed by the team of reviewers. Any extension of the accredited program through new sites, satellite programming, new partnerships, etc. are not considered accredited, and must not be advertised or described as such. Major Changes in Programs The pace of change in educational institutions and programs is very rapid as schools attempt to keep abreast of demographic, economic, technological and pedagogical developments. Some programs are being restructured (e.g. 2 plus 2) to accommodate students with previous undergraduate degrees. Others are becoming compressed (3 Vi years) or consolidating clinical practice/internships in summer months in order to graduate nurses faster. Change is not bad and innovation is encouraged; however, the impact on accreditation must be considered. The CASN policies and procedures cover the following situations.
Candidacy is an option open to new programs that cannot apply for accreditation while still in an early developmental stage. Candidacy status means that the organizational unit in nursing adheres to CASN's educational policy.
An organizational unit in nursing may file, with the Board of Accreditation, a request for admission to candidacy once the program has been duly approved by the university or institution and after students have been registered.
An organizational unit is normally eligible to apply for accreditation on behalf of a particular program or programs when it has graduated at least one class. A program that is undergoing major curriculum revision can apply for accreditation when students are enrolled in the final year of the program. The Board of Accreditation could also request an annual report to confirm that courses/curriculum have been developed and implemented as planned.
If there are major changes to the structure, organization, or objectives of the [accredited] program (but not only curriculum changes), periodic confirmation of accreditation status should be sought from the Board.
March 2002 |