Which organization is the autonomous accrediting agency for baccalaureate and graduate nursing education programs?

• A. The National League for Nursing
• B. The American Nurses Association
• C. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• D. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Answer: (C)

This question tests knowing who accredits baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs as an independent, or autonomous, agency. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is the autonomous accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education specifically for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs. It operates independently from any single school and evaluates programs against defined standards for quality in curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and resources. Its affiliation with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reflects its focus on higher-degree nursing education and governance standards.

The other organizations have different roles. The National League for Nursing is a professional organization that emphasizes nursing education standards and improvement, not the designated autonomous accrediting body for degree programs. The American Nurses Association is a professional association advocating for nurses and practice standards, not an accrediting authority. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing is a policy and advocacy group representing nursing education at the college level but does not itself accredit programs.