• The governing (parent) institution is also accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If a program is operated by a hospital, vocational school, or other type of education institution, it must demonstrate that it holds a type of USDE recognized accreditation that is consistent with the mission of the governing institution and stated programmatic goals.
• Evidence that the governing (parent) institution of the nursing unit or program pursuing NLN CNEA accreditation is legally authorized to grant nursing degrees, diplomas, or credited certificates in the state or territory in which it resides. 
• Evidence that the nursing program is legally approved or accredited by the state board of nursing in which it operates, as required by applicable state or territorial statutes. **
• Evidence to support a reasonable conclusion that the program can demonstrate the achievement of the NLN CNEA Standards of Accreditation. 
• The governing (parent) institution is also accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If a program is operated by a hospital, vocational school, or other type of education institution, it must demonstrate that it holds a type of USDE recognized accreditation that is consistent with the mission of the governing institution and stated programmatic goals. 
• A formal request from the chief academic nurse administrator and co-signed by the chief executive officer of the legally designated governing institution of their desire to initiate the NLN CNEA accreditation process.
• Evidence of publicly posted notices at the time of submission of the application requesting third-party comments from communities of interest.

Payment of non-refundable initial application filing fees as published at the time of application

**  Please consult the NLN CNEA Accreditation Manual for further information related to pre-accreditation applications. Programs and institutions with pending action either by their state boards of nursing or other accrediting bodies, may not be eligible to seek NLN CNEA accreditation.