Striving for quality in advanced practice nursing education.

The issue of establishing and maintaining high-quality advanced practice educational programs, practice competencies, and certification criteria is currently the focus of much debate and discussion within nursing. This article focuses on the issue of accreditation for advanced practice nursing educational programs in four areas: (1) history of accreditation in nursing education; (2) accreditation of educational programs for clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists; (3) accreditation of programs for nurse practitioners; and (4) current and future educational issues and challenges. To participate in shaping the changes occurring in the current health delivery system, the nursing profession and advanced practice nursing educators must present a strong, visionary, and collaborative voice concerning quality educational programs.