TTP & APP Issue - December 2023

The ACEN accreditation of transition-to-practice (TTP) programs is founded on the belief that accreditation contributes to the public good and provides for the maintenance and enhancement of transitions that occur throughout a nurse’s professional life. Accreditation, with an emphasis on continuous self-assessment, planning, and improvement, indicates to the general public and to the healthcare community that a TTP program has clear and appropriate objectives and is working to achieve these objectives.

The ACEN defines transition-to-practice as a “comprehensive and formal program designed to facilitate development of the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary for the successful transition to professional practice and preparation for life-long professional development within the level of licensure and scope of practice.” A transition-to-practice program may also be known as a residency, traineeship, fellowship, or apprenticeship. The common thread among these various naming conventions is the focus on guiding and supporting the new healthcare provider as they develop the confidence needed to practice within the fullest extent of their licensure.

The ACEN offers accreditation services TTP programs at all levels of nursing licensure. Nursing TTP programs are post-licensure programs designed to support the nurse (e.g., LPN, RN, and APRN) as they transition from the student role to nursing practice.

Beginning in January 2024, the ACEN will also offer joint accreditation services for advanced practice provider programs in collaboration with the Accreditation Review Commission of Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Post-licensure advanced practice provider (APP) program accreditation is for programs that facilitate the transition of both physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses from the role of a student to their role as independent healthcare providers.

The ACEN supports voluntary accreditation by peers as a principal means of public accountability and ongoing improvement. The use of established standards for transition-to-practice programs ensures, through the self-study and accreditation review processes, the promotion of effective transition-to-practice programs and ongoing improvement.

Accreditation Standards have been developed for both accreditation services, and these Standards provide a framework for program quality. Accreditation standards outline key elements for the development and maintenance of a program designed to refine practice skills and competencies at the various levels of licensure and practice.

Successful TTP programs have been found to improve retention and to positively impact patient care. The challenges and complexities of modern healthcare underscore the importance of supporting healthcare providers as they transition into their roles licensed professionals.

More information about the ACEN’s accreditation of nursing transition-to-practice programs is available in the TTP Manual.