Governing Organization Accreditation
The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Accrediting Agency: New England Commission of Higher Education
Current Accreditation Status: Accredited
Date of Last Review: March 2023
Date of Next Review: Spring 2033
The New England Commission of Higher Education Inc. is a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization whose affiliated institutions include elementary schools through collegiate institutions offering post-graduate instruction. Accreditation of an institution by the New England Commission indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer group review process. An accredited school or college is one that has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the New England Commission is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of the quality of every course or Program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution. Inquiries regarding the status of an institution’s accreditation by the New England Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the College. Individuals may also contact the Commission.
Practical Nursing (PN) Program Accreditation
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The practical nursing program at the Maine College of Health Professions located in Lewiston, Maine is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the practical nursing program is continuing accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.
Date of Initial Accreditation: January 2021
Date of Last Review: Fall 2025
Current ACEN Accreditation Status: Continued Accreditation
Date of Next Review: Fall 2033
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program Accreditation
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at the Maine College of Health Professions located in Lewiston, Maine is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the practical nursing program is continuing accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.
Date of Initial Accreditation: 1989
Date of Last Review: Spring 2022
Current ACEN Accreditation Status: Continued Accreditation
Date of Next Review: Spring 2028
Registered Nurse – Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Program Accreditation
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The Registered Nurse-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program at the Maine College of Health Professions located in Lewiston, Maine is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the practical nursing program is continuing accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.
Date of Initial Accreditation: Fall 2025
Date of Last Review: Fall 2025
Current ACEN Accreditation Status: Initial Accreditation
Date of Next Review: Fall 2030
ACEN Accreditation Standards and Criteria 2023
ACEN Mission
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the functions of accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary, peer-review, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. Accreditation also assists in the further improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved. The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession.
ACEN Purpose
The purpose of the ACEN is to provide specialized accreditation for all types of nursing programs, including clinical doctorate/DNP specialist certificate, master’s/post-master’s certificate, baccalaureate, associate, diploma, and practical nursing programs. The ACEN accredits nursing programs in secondary, postsecondary, and hospital-based governing organizations that offer certificates, diplomas, or degrees.
Goals
As the leading authority in nursing accreditation, the goal of the ACEN is to strengthen the quality of nursing education through a common core of standards and criteria that:
- Establishes supportive partnerships
- Advocates self-regulation
- Promotes peer review
- Fosters educational equity, access, opportunity, mobility, and preparation of employment.
- Serves as a Title IV-HEA Gatekeeper (These include some practical nursing and all hospital-based diploma programs eligible to participate in programs administered by the United States Department of Education or other federal agencies.)
State Regulatory Status
Maine State Board of Nursing (MSBON)
Regulatory Agency: Maine Board of Nursing
Status with Regulatory Agency: Good Standing
Date of Last Review: December 2021
Date of Next Review: Spring 2028