Important Updates 

August 2025: The Practical Nursing Program has been awarded Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), confirming that the program has demonstrated readiness to proceed with the accreditation process. The program is actively engaged in continuous quality improvement and compliance with ACEN Standards and Criteria. Graduates who complete the program during the candidacy period are recognized as having graduated from an ACEN-accredited program, contingent upon the program’s ongoing adherence to ACEN requirements through the accreditation review cycle. 

January 2026: The Practical Nursing Program is on provisional approval status with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Provisional approval is a formal designation used by the Board when specific program outcomes require additional monitoring and improvement.  

Provisional status does not affect

• Your enrollment in the program 

• Your progression through coursework or clinical experiences 

• Your eligibility for graduation 

• Your eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN 

Provisional approval reflects the Board’s expectation that targeted improvement strategies be implemented within a defined timeframe. 

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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.