Does Accreditation Matter in a DNP Program?
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Sep 14, 2026
Pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can pay a lifetime of dividends, including the potential for additional leadership responsibilities and wider job opportunities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nurse practitioner (NP), one of the advanced practice nursing roles that a DNP can prepare graduates for, is projected to be the nation’s third-fastest growing occupation between 2024 and 2034. The BLS reports that positions for NPs are expected to increase 40% in the decade, compared with 5% for registered nurses.
But how do aspiring nursing leaders find a DNP program that offers the high-quality education they need to make the most of the value the degree can offer? One key indicator is accreditation.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) cites accreditation as an important measure of the quality of higher education programs. Accreditation for DNP programs indicates that their curricula and outcomes meet rigorous independent standards. Graduating from an accredited program is often required for professional certification in advanced practice roles.
As they consider DNP programs, students should include accreditation as a factor in determining where to pursue a degree.
Benefits of DNP Accreditation
DNP programs prepare nurses to become leaders in a health care sector that is rapidly evolving to address changes such as emerging technological tools and the shift to patient-centred care. Choosing an accredited program to prepare for these in-demand nursing leadership roles provides assurances of a quality education that can help ensure graduates’ success.
Program Quality
DNP accreditation demonstrates that programs meet the quality standards of an external body, adhering to requirements in areas like educational practices, outcomes, and continuous improvement. It provides a level of assurance that the coursework and clinical experience the programs offer will give graduates the knowledge and skills they need to pursue certifications and career advancement.
Certification Requirement
To practice in many advanced nursing roles, including nurse practitioner, nurses must be certified by an organization such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). Both require nurses to have completed a graduate degree from an accredited program to pursue certification.
Financial Aid Eligibility
Accreditation status can also affect students’ opportunities to pursue financial aid. Both federal and private financial support may require students to be enrolled in accredited nursing programs to qualify.
National DNP Accrediting Bodies
The ED recognizes the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on College Nursing Education (CCNE) as accreditors for DNP programs. The ACEN and CCNE evaluate programs in areas such as the following:
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Educational practices, including requiring 1,000 hours of clinical experience for advanced practice nursing programs
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Program support, which requires institutions to demonstrate a commitment to nursing education with sufficient resources
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Commitment to continuous improvement, with programs focused on adjusting their curricula according to community needs and accreditation review outcomes
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Student outcomes, including completion rates and measured competencies
ACEN vs. CCNE
The main difference between the two DNP accrediting bodies recognized by the ED is the scope of the programs they accredit.
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ACEN: Evaluates all levels of nursing education, from practical nursing to doctoral programs, including those focused on advanced practice nursing and nursing educator programs
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CCNE: Provides accreditation for clinical nursing programs at the bachelor’s level and above
DNP programs don’t have to pursue accreditation from either of these national organizations to operate. With that in mind, as students consider nursing schools, it’s important to determine whether accreditation status will affect their future goals. ACEN and CCNE provide online directories of their accredited programs.
State DNP Program Authorization
State nursing board authorization is another indicator of quality for DNP programs. Generally, to get the state licensing required to practice, a nurse must have a degree from a state-authorized nursing program.
Each state has a board that regulates nursing education and licensing. Program approval at the state level generally indicates that the nursing board has deemed the program exhibits qualities such as the following:
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Meeting safety guidelines
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Teaching up-to-date practices
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Providing training that meets state health care needs
Begin Your Future with an Accredited DNP Program
If you’re looking for a DNP program that has the national accreditation and state approval that signal high-quality education and career preparation, consider The University of Tulsa (TU) online Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice (FNP, DNP) program.
With accreditation from the ACEN and authorization from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, TU’s FNP, DNP program provides training that qualifies graduates to pursue national certification for advanced practice nursing roles. The FNP, DNP program emphasizes evidence-based practice and primary care across patients’ lifespans.
With classwork that is 100% online, accompanied by hands-on clinical training, TU’s DNP program enables working nurses to complete the degree while meeting their professional and personal commitments. Find out how TU’s accredited FNP, DNP program can help you advance your nursing career.
Recommended Readings
The Nurse Practitioner Job Outlook: Why NPs Are in Demand
What Do DNP-Prepared Nurses Do?
Sources:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, “About ACEN Accreditation”
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Frequently Asked Questions
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, CCNE Accreditation: What We Do
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, CCNE DNP Programs and Accreditation FAQs
National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Board of Nursing Licensure Requirements
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fastest Growing Occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses
U.S. Department of Education, College Accreditation
U.S. Department of Education, Institutional Accrediting Agencies
