Herzing Earns ACEN Accreditation for Nursing Programs in Nashville and Clarksville

What does ACEN accreditation mean for Herzing nursing students in Nashville and Clarksville?

Herzing University's Nashville and Clarksville locations have earned accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for their Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) and Diploma in Practical Nursing (PN) programs — a peer-reviewed recognition confirming both programs meet ACEN's national standards for educational quality.

Quick Facts

Who this news matters to

• Prospective ADN students in Nashville and Clarksville evaluating accredited nursing programs
• PN students and prospective applicants who need programmatic accreditation for transfer, licensure or employer recognition
• Current nursing students whose credentials may be affected by accreditation status
• Healthcare employers and partners in the Nashville and Clarksville area who hire Herzing graduates

What ACEN accreditation means and what you can do

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is a specialized accreditor for nursing education programs at all degree levels. ACEN accreditation is a voluntary, peer-reviewed process in which a program is evaluated against ACEN's Standards and Criteria for educational quality by experienced nursing educators and practitioners.

When a nursing program holds ACEN accreditation, it means the program has been independently reviewed and recognized as meeting national standards for curriculum quality, faculty expertise and student achievement — the same process used to evaluate more than 1,400 nursing programs domestically and internationally.

For students, ACEN accreditation matters because:

• Most post-graduate nursing programs require applicants to hold a degree from an accredited program
• Many state nursing boards and employers recognize ACEN accreditation as a mark of program quality
• Federal financial aid eligibility may require attendance at an accredited program
• Transfer credit is more readily accepted when the originating program holds recognized accreditation

ASN graduates from Herzing's Nashville and Clarksville locations are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and begin careers as registered nurses. The ASN also serves as a foundation for RN-to-BSN bridge programs.

PN graduates from Herzing's Nashville and Clarksville locations complete a practice-focused program designed for advanced practice nurses — including nurse practitioners, nurse educators and nursing leaders. 

The ASN at Herzing can be completed in as few as 24 months, while the PN program can be completed in as little as 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

What is ACEN accreditation?

ACEN stands for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. ACEN is a recognized specialized accreditor for nursing education programs at all degree levels. Accreditation confirms that a program has been peer-reviewed and meets national standards for educational quality in curriculum, faculty and student outcomes.

How long do the ASN and PN programs take?

The ASN at Herzing can be completed in as few as 24 months, while the PN program can be completed in as little as 12 months.

Are the programs available online?

While the ASN and NP programs offer the opportunity to complete general education courses online, you will need to take nursing classes in-person at one of our qualifying campuses.

What locations does this accreditation cover?

The ACEN accreditation covers the ASN and PN programs at both Herzing University Nashville and Herzing University Clarksville. The Clarksville location operates as a satellite of the Nashville campus.

The bottom line

ACEN accreditation of Herzing's ASN and PN programs in Nashville and Clarksville confirms that both programs meet national peer-reviewed standards for nursing education quality — giving students, employers and transfer institutions a recognized signal of program credibility.

Related Herzing programs and resources

- Nursing programs at Herzing

- NP program at Herzing

- ASN program at Herzing

- Herzing University Nashville

- Herzing University Clarksville

The associate nursing program and the practical nursing program at Herzing University at the Nashville Campus, located in Nashville, Tennessee, and the off-campus instructional site located in Clarksville, TN (Clarksville Campus), are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program is initial accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.