PN Program Introduction

Practical Nursing Program Accreditation

High-quality nursing education is critical to the retention of new graduates in an increasingly complex health care system. To produce high-quality graduates, a practical nursing1 (PN) program needs to attract best-in-class students, adequate public support for seats, programs, and educators, and to be prepared to deliver cutting edge education that meets the highest achievable standards.

1Practical nursing programs refer to the entry-to-practice programs for licensed practical nurses and registered practical nurses.

Want best-in-class? Join the best in the country

Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) Accreditation helps PN programs achieve a new level of quality and status that drives both enrollment from high-quality applicants and increased public confidence and support. Join CASN’s nationally accredited programs. Joining this exclusive class elevates PN program quality to meet national nursing education standards.

More than approval

While the approval process administered by regulatory bodies focuses on patient safety and provincial competencies, CASN Accreditation offers a multi-stage process that involves rigorous assessment against national standards of academic excellence. CASN accredited schools benefit from an evolving national program, based on over 30 years of experience, that ensures nursing education programs are thoughtfully designed, relevant to the current needs of Canadians, innovative, and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in health care.

Eminence through excellence

As a voluntary but challenging process that reveals strengths in your program and more importantly, areas to focus on, CASN’s Accreditation seal means your program meets high academic standards and your school is engaged in a process of continuous quality improvement.

Accreditation tells nursing students and the public that a program has undergone a rigorous self-evaluation and an independent, objective peer appraisal of the overall educational quality.

Accreditation lets the world know that an institution meets or exceeds quality standards and is accredited by a recognized national agency like the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN).

Do you have a PN Program?

CASN defines a “Practical Nursing Program” as a diploma educational program that prepares students for the role as licensed practical nurses or registered practical nurses, as both terms exist in Canada.

We would be delighted to help you determine if CASN PN Program Accreditation is right for you. Please contact Layal Bou Abdo, Managing Director, Accreditation and Evaluation by e-mail at lbou-abdo@casn.ca.

How Does the Program Work?

The CASN PN Accreditation Program take approximately two years to complete, and uses a rigorous, bilingual, peer-reviewed assessment process that follows these steps:

1. Apply for your accreditation review
   • Application due 1-year prior to review
     
2. CASN schedules a date and review team
   
3. Prepare your self-study reports
   • Approx. duration: 6 months
     
4. Pay your accreditation fee
   
5. Prepare your visit schedule
   
   • Approx. duration: 1 month
     
6. CASN holds a virtual pre-review meeting
   
   • Approx. duration: 1.5 hours
     
7. CASN conducts the on-site or virtual visit with you
   
   • Approx. duration: 5 days
     
8. CASN sends you the reviewer report
   
   • Approx. duration: 3 weeks after the visit
     
9. Prepare your school response
   
   • Approx. duration: 1 month after the visit
     
10. Receive your accreditation decision from the CASN Accreditation Bureau
    
    • Approx. wait time: 3 months
      

How Much Does CASN Accreditation Cost?

Accreditation fees are set by the CASN Board of Directors and approved by CASN Council. The exact cost is determined at the time of application based on the scope of the review. A rationale for the fees is provided, and schools may appeal if needed.

• Accreditation Review Application Fee: $550 CAD (due one year prior to review)

• Accreditation Fee: $7,050 CAD

Fees are for CASN member schools, in CAD, and are subject to change. They are based on one program within a single educational unit conducted in a virtual format. Non-member schools pay an additional accreditation support fee.

For in-person visits, schools are responsible for travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for the review team.

Schools may choose to accredit multiple programs (e.g., BScN, PN, NP, or bridging programs) at the same time, which may reduce overall costs. Fees for international schools are negotiated and outlined in a memorandum of understanding.

For detailed information, please contact Layal Bou Abdo, Managing Director, Accreditation and Evaluation by e-mail at lbou-abdo@casn.ca.

Accreditation Standards & Evidence Requirements for PN Programs

Quality Standards

The CASN Accreditation Program for PN Programs is guided by core values and fundamental principles centered around fostering continuous quality improvement and providing quality assurance. Its standards apply to new and existing programs. Check out the complete Accreditation Standards for PN Programs on our website: accred.casn.ca. The standards represent the quality expectations for PN Programs and are stated broadly. The PN Accreditation Program has six standards.

1. Leadership, Governance, and Administration
2. Resources and Environment
3. Teaching and Learning
4. Program Framework and Curriculum
5. Program Outcomes
6. Program Quality Improvement

Quality Dimensions

Four overarching quality dimensions guided the development of the PN Accreditation Program standards and are infused throughout program:

1. Relevance: The structure, processes, and constituents of the educational unit and the education program under review are pertinent, appropriate, and responsive to the current and emerging needs of society and the profession.
2. Accountability: The educational unit takes responsibility for the quality of its programs and is answerable in all its relationships. The education program prepares students to be life-long learners who take responsibility for a professional practice that is safe, competent, ethical, and legal.
3. Relatedness: There is an alignment and inter-connectedness of all components of the educational unit and education program that promotes the achievement of goals and specified outcomes.
4. Uniqueness: While the structure, processes, and constituents of an educational unit and education are expected to meet standards, how these expectations are met may be of a distinctive or unique character that allows for innovation as well as responsiveness to a particular context.

Download the CASN Accreditation Framework and Standards for Practical Nursing Programs