NP Program

NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

CASN’s Nurse Practitioner (NP) Program1 Accreditation sets a national and international benchmark for nursing excellence. Through rigorous, peer-led evaluations, it strengthens curriculum quality, supports safe clinical practice, and enhances public trust. It also drives program growth, attracts top-tier applicants, and opens doors for graduates pursuing NP roles in Canada and the U.S.—while reinforcing the credibility of the NP profession.

Set the stage for long-term improvements

Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) Accreditation provides a rigorous evaluation by highly skilled and accomplished nurse practitioners (NPs) from a well-established and reputable national accreditation bureau. CASN’s NP Program Accreditation helps NP programs ensure continuous monitoring and improvement that drives both enrollment from high-quality applicants and increased public confidence and support.

Expert-reviewed. Practice-ready. CASN sets the NP standard.

CASN’s NP Program Accreditation is the only approved program in Canada reviewed exclusively by NP educators, academics, and practitioners. This peer-led evaluation ensures comprehensive oversight of curriculum, scholarship, and resources—preparing graduates for safe, effective clinical practice while upholding the credibility and reputation of the NP profession.

Excellence in Education, Across Borders

CASN Accreditation is globally respected for its rigorous standards and commitment to nursing excellence—an essential credential for graduates pursuing NP roles in the U.S., where it’s recognized by leading institutions such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Benefits of CASN PN Program Accreditation

  1. NP IPProgram quality enhancement to national standards
    • Approval from an advisory committee of NP program experts.
    • Meets national benchmarks and is recognized worldwide.
    • Updates based on evolving health/cultural landscape.
  2. Evaluation, affirmation, and constructive feedback from NP experts
    • What is done well. Why it is important. What can be improved.
    • Quality-enhancing processes, approaches, and resources.
    • Evidence-based requests for greater support.
  3. Membership in an elite national accreditation program
    • Benefits, recognition, status, and access to a national network.
    • National and international interprofessional collaboration.
    • Continuous monitoring and improvement.
  4. Optimized program outcomes
    • Increased enrollment of high-quality students.
    • Public confidence, support, and funding.
    • Graduates who are more competent, confident, safe, and retainable.

Do you have a Program?Do you have a NP Program?

1CASN defines a “Nurse Practitioner Program” as a graduate-level education pathway specifically designed to prepare registered nurses for licensure and practice as Nurse Practitioners. These programs focus solely on the NP role, which is one distinct category within advanced practice nursing.

We would be delighted to help you determine if CASN NP Program Accreditation is right for you.

How does the program work?

How it worksCASN NP Program Accreditation takes approximately two (2) years to complete, and uses a rigorous, peer-reviewed assessment process that follows these steps:

  1. Apply for your accreditation review: $550 CAD*
    • 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 $7,050 CAD*
  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

* Pricing for member schools. All prices are in $CAD. Pricing is subject to change. Based on one education program conducted by one educational unit in a virtual format. Non-member schools pay an additional accreditation support fee. Discounts offered for concurrent accreditations of additional programs e.g., BScN, PN, IEN. Contact us for more information.

Is it time to get accredited?

Let’s talk about your school, your students, and how we can work together to help your NP program stand out from the crowd! Call 613-235-3150 x 162 or email Layal Bou Abdo at lbou-abdo@casn.ca today! Layal is CASN’s very knowledgeable and helpful Managing Director of Accreditation.

Accreditation says excellenceAccreditation says excellence!

  • Enhances program quality
  • Promotes national standards
  • Attracts top students
  • Leverages requests for greater support
  • Strengthens curricular decisions

Don’t delay, call 613-235-3150 x 162 or email Layal Bou Abdo at lbou-abdo@casn.ca today!

  • Contact us today and take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your PN program!

Looking for more Information?CASN NP Program Accreditation

Download your copy of the CASN NP Program Accreditation Brochure.

Related Pages