Understanding Accreditation of Programs at Herzing University

Herzing University is a private, accredited non-profit institution with multiple locations throughout the United States and an online division. Founded in Milwaukee in 1965, the university offers a range of programs, including certificates, diplomas, associate, bachelor's, master's, and a doctoral degree in nursing. With a focus on career-oriented education, Herzing's programs span fields such as nursing, healthcare, technology, business, legal studies, and public safety. Accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and credibility of these programs.

Institutional Accreditation: The Foundation

Accreditation from a recognized institutional accrediting body is essential for Herzing University to participate in Title IV federal student financial aid programs, as mandated by the Department of Education. This type of accreditation signifies that the university as a whole meets certain standards of quality and stability. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This means all students attending Herzing University are attending an accredited institution.

Programmatic Accreditation: A Deeper Dive

In addition to institutional accreditation, specific programs may also seek programmatic accreditation. These accreditations focus on the quality and standards of individual programs rather than the institution as a whole. The importance of programmatic accreditation can vary. It can be a requirement to sit for licensure exams mandatory to work in a field. It can also be a requirement to sit for a certification exam that is not required for all employment in the field (but may be slightly to strongly preferred by employers, depending on the market). Or, it can be a symbol of quality with no impact on any certification or licensure (but which may be slightly or strongly preferred by employers, depending on the market).

Herzing University has not pursued all forms of programmatic accreditation available, as this is a determination on whether the costs and requirements to do so are worth the value to the student in the respective marketplaces in the estimation of the University.

Herzing University's Approach to Programmatic Accreditation

Herzing University believes in complete and forthright disclosure for each program they offer, so they identify those programs that are programmatically accredited. If a Herzing University program at a specific location (or one that is offered online) does not state it has programmatic accreditation in writing, students should assume the program does not have programmatic accreditation. Herzing University makes no representation, unless explicitly written, that students graduating in a program qualify for certification, licensing, or eligibility to sit for a licensing examination in a particular state. For further clarification, students should review the specialized program accreditation/approvals stated in the catalog and read and sign the Accreditation Disclosure for their respective campus. For a list of accredited programs please refer to our IACBE member status page.

Read also: Tuition and Fees at Herzing

Programmatic Accreditations, Approvals, and Licensures by Campus

Herzing University also holds programmatic accreditations or approvals for selected programs at selected locations. Not all programs require specialized programmatic accreditation, and some new programs must be in operation for a period before specialized accreditation can be obtained. Specialized programmatic accreditation may be required for graduates to be eligible to take some licensure or certification examinations. Unless this catalog specifically and unequivocally states that a program at a location (including Herzing Online) is programmatically accredited and qualifies a student for licensing, certification, or to be eligible to sit for a licensing examination, students should conclude the program offered on the campus they are enrolled at is not programmatically accredited.

Examples of Program-Specific Accreditation and Approvals

To provide clarity, here are some examples of how programmatic accreditation and approvals apply to specific programs at various Herzing University locations:

Akron, Ohio

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing: The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at the Akron location is approved by the State of Ohio Board of Nursing (17 South High Street, Suite 400, Columbus, Ohio, 43215-7410, 614-466-3947, www.nursing.ohio.gov). Consequently, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-RN) licensing exam upon successful completion of the program.
Diploma in Practical Nursing: The Diploma in Practical Nursing program at Herzing University Akron is not programmatically accredited. No representation has been made as to when or if such an accreditation will be obtained. Some employers may prefer hiring graduates from a programmatically accredited program. Students are advised to consult with employers of preference as to the importance of this accreditation on their hiring decisions.
Accounting: The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at Herzing University, even when combined with the Herzing University MBA, may not fulfill all the requirements for a graduate to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam or apply for licensure as a CPA in some states/jurisdictions. In addition to requiring a specific amount of study beyond a bachelor's degree (typically, a total of 150 semester credit hours, but this varies by jurisdiction), most states/jurisdictions require specific coursework, as well as several years of professional experience working in accounting, to be eligible to apply for licensure. Some states (including, but not necessarily limited to, Texas) require the accounting program to have a specific programmatic accreditation for graduates to apply for licensure as a CPA, which Herzing University programs do not have, and no representation has been made as to when or if such an accreditation will be obtained. Applicants interested in becoming a CPA should check with their state board of accountancy regarding CPA eligibility requirements prior to enrolling in any accounting program. Students planning to pursue certifications other than the CPA exam should also contact the respective certifying organization to confirm requirements for certification prior to enrolling in any accounting program.
Other Programs: No other programs at this location have specialized programmatic accreditation.

Birmingham, Alabama

State Approval: All programs at the Birmingham location of Herzing University are approved by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (100 North Union Street, P.O. Box 302000, Montgomery, Alabama, 36130-2000, 334-242-1998, www.ache.alabama.gov).
Diploma in Practical Nursing: The Diploma in Practical Nursing program at the Birmingham location is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing (RSA Plaza, 770 Washington Avenue, Suite 250, Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, 334-293-5200, www.abn.alabama.gov).
Accounting: The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at Herzing University, even when combined with the Herzing University MBA, may not fulfill all the requirements for a graduate to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam or apply for licensure as a CPA in some states/jurisdictions. In addition to requiring a specific amount of study beyond a bachelor's degree (typically, a total of 150 semester credit hours, but this varies by jurisdiction), most states/jurisdictions require specific coursework, as well as several years of professional experience working in accounting, to be eligible to apply for licensure. Some states (including, but not necessarily limited to, Texas) require the accounting program to have a specific programmatic accreditation for graduates to apply for licensure as a CPA, which Herzing University programs do not have, and no representation has been made as to when or if such an accreditation will be obtained. Applicants interested in becoming a CPA should check with their state board of accountancy regarding CPA eligibility requirements prior to enrolling in any accounting program. Students planning to pursue certifications other than the CPA exam should also contact the respective certifying organization to confirm requirements for certification prior to enrolling in any accounting program.
Other Programs: No other programs at this location have specialized programmatic accreditation.

Madison, Wisconsin

State Approval: As required by s. 39.87, Wis. Stats., Herzing University is authorized to grant degrees by the Wisconsin Educational Approval Board.
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing: The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at the Madison location is approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing (1400 East Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703, 608-266-2112, dsps.wi.gov). Consequently, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-RN) licensing exam upon successful completion of the program. Passing this exam allows graduates to apply to the State Board of Nursing for licensure as a registered nurse.
Accounting: The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at Herzing University, even when combined with the Herzing University MBA, may not fulfill all the requirements for a graduate to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam or apply for licensure as a CPA in some states/jurisdictions. In addition to requiring a specific amount of study beyond a bachelor's degree (typically, a total of 150 semester credit hours, but this varies by jurisdiction), most states/jurisdictions require specific coursework, as well as several years of professional experience working in accounting, to be eligible to apply for licensure. Some states (including, but not necessarily limited to, Texas) require the accounting program to have a specific programmatic accreditation for graduates to apply for licensure as a CPA, which Herzing University programs do not have, and no representation has been made as to when or if such an accreditation will be obtained. Applicants interested in becoming a CPA should check with their state board of accountancy regarding CPA eligibility requirements prior to enrolling in any accounting program. Students planning to pursue certifications other than the CPA exam should also contact the respective certifying organization to confirm requirements for certification prior to enrolling in any accounting program.
Other Programs: No other programs at this location have specialized programmatic accreditation.

Clarksville/Nashville, Tennessee

State Approval: Herzing University - Clarksville is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, 312 Rosa Parks Ave., 9th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243. Authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation of minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, and fiscal responsibility.
Diploma in Practical Nursing: The Diploma in Practical Nursing program at the Nashville location has received initial approval by the Tennessee Board of Nursing (665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243). This approval includes the Clarksville Campus, which is a satellite location of the Nashville Campus. Consequently, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-PNÂ®) licensing exam upon successful completion of the program. Passing this exam allows graduates to apply to the State Board of Nursing for licensure as a practical nurse. Effective May 7, 2024, the practical nursing program at Herzing University at the Nashville Campus located in Nashville, Tennessee, and off-campus instructional site located in Clarksville, TN (Clarksville Campus), is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Associate Degree in Nursing: This approval includes the Clarksville Campus, which is a satellite location of the Nashville Campus. Consequently, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-RNÂ®) licensing exam upon successful completion of the program. Passing this exam allows graduates to apply to the State Board of Nursing for licensure as a registered nurse. Effective May 7, 2024, the associate nursing program at Herzing University at the Nashville Campus located in Nashville, Tennessee, and off-campus instructional site located in Clarksville, TN (Clarksville Campus), is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Accounting: The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at Herzing University, even when combined with the Herzing University MBA, may not fulfill all the requirements for a graduate to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam or apply for licensure as a CPA in some states/jurisdictions. In addition to requiring a specific amount of study beyond a bachelor's degree (typically, a total of 150 semester credit hours, but this varies by jurisdiction), most states/jurisdictions require specific coursework, as well as several years of professional experience working in accounting, to be eligible to apply for licensure. Some states (including, but not necessarily limited to, Texas) require the accounting program to have a specific programmatic accreditation for graduates to apply for licensure as a CPA, which Herzing University programs do not have, and no representation has been made as to when or if such an accreditation will be obtained. Applicants interested in becoming a CPA should check with their state board of accountancy regarding CPA eligibility requirements prior to enrolling in any accounting program. Students planning to pursue certifications other than the CPA exam should also contact the respective certifying organization to confirm requirements for certification prior to enrolling in any accounting program.
Other Programs: No other programs at this location have specialized programmatic accreditation.

Herzing University-Orlando Campus and CCNE Accreditation for Nursing Program

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offered at Herzing University's Orlando campus is approved for the maximum reaccreditation of 10 years by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and nurse residency programs.

Significance of CCNE Accreditation

CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing and serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices.

Nursing Programs at Herzing University

Herzing's nursing programs prepare graduates to sit for licensure and pursue careers as Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and advance with Master Degree pathways in Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Educator, and Leadership. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, nursing is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the state and the organization is projecting an additional 29,000 registered nursing jobs through 2026. Herzing offers year-round study, enabling students to graduate in as few as three years and quickly sit for the registered nurse (RN) licensure exam. The university's nursing program leverages a competency-based learning model that helps students master critical information and reinforces the application in real-world clinical practice. Herzing has a systematic evaluation plan that includes ongoing assessments of the programs to show that the university continues to meet CCNE accreditation standards.

Read also: GPA Requirements for Herzing

Additional Considerations for Students

Paralegal Programs: ABA program approval is not required for eligibility to sit for the NALA Certified Paralegal examination under the associate or bachelor's degree pathways. However, some employers may prefer graduates of ABA-approved programs. Students are encouraged to consult with prospective employers regarding hiring preferences and to review current NALA certification requirements directly to ensure alignment with professional goals prior to enrolling in the program.
Accounting Programs and CPA Licensure: The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at Herzing University, even when combined with the Herzing University MBA, may not fulfill all the requirements for a graduate to take the certified public accountant (CPA) exam or apply for licensure as a CPA in some states/jurisdictions. In addition to requiring a specific amount of study beyond a bachelor's degree (typically, a total of 150 semester credit hours, but this varies by jurisdiction), most states/jurisdictions require specific coursework, as well as several years of professional experience working in accounting, to be eligible to apply for licensure. Some states (including, but not necessarily limited to, Texas) require the accounting program to have a specific programmatic accreditation for graduates to apply for licensure as a CPA, which Herzing University programs do not have, and no representation has been made as to when or if such an accreditation will be obtained. Applicants interested in becoming a CPA should check with their state board of accountancy regarding CPA eligibility requirements prior to enrolling in any accounting program. Students planning to pursue certifications other than the CPA exam should also contact the respective certifying organization to confirm requirements for certification prior to enrolling in any accounting program.

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