FAQ

The CASN accreditation of practical nursing education programs is voluntary in all provinces and territories.  CASN is willing to discuss having a joint, integrated approval and accreditation process with any regulatory body desiring such a program.

Accreditation is recognized worldwide as an important, objective method to review professional education programs to identify strengths, vulnerabilities, and opportunities for improvement. There is a need to assess the quality of education programs in light of the globalization of education (specifically, distance delivery, satellite and offshore programs), the mobility of students and professionals and with increasing education costs, students, parents, taxpayers and institutions want to be assured of program quality. Schools of nursing use accreditation reviews to identify areas for development, to provide evidence of resource deficiencies to senior administrators, to guide important decisions about expansion of students, and to guide changes in, or the continuation of, programs.

Accreditation reviews are currently being conducted virtually. For more detailed information, please contact Joni Boyd, Managing Director, Accreditation & Evaluation by e-mail at jboyd@casn.ca.

The fee schedule for accreditation of practical nurse programs is set by the CASN Board of Directors. The CASN Accreditation Bureau determines the exact fees for accreditation of each organization at the time of application. The Accreditation Bureau presents a rationale for the accreditation fees charged to a school, and schools may appeal the fee if necessary. Schools that are not members of CASN pay an additional $3,000 per year of accreditation as an accreditation support fee. Schools that undergo an in-person review are also responsible for the cost of travel, meals and accommodation for the reviewers during the visit. Practical nurse program reviews may be combined with baccalaureate program reviews in order to achieve economies of scale. For detailed information, please contact Joni Boyd, Managing Director, Accreditation & Evaluation by e-mail at jboyd@casn.ca.

Contact the Accreditation Team: Joni Boyd, Managing Director, Accreditation & Evaluation at jboyd@casn.ca