---
title: "CHANGES IN PROGRAMS OR PROGRAM OPTIONS"
canonical: "https://resources.acenursing.org/space/SC1/1997996072/CHANGES%20IN%20PROGRAMS%20OR%20PROGRAM%20OPTIONS"
format: markdown
---
The ACEN reviews changes to nursing programs, including those involving:
## **Adding a New Program/Degree Type**
| | |
| --- | --- |
| This type of change refers to adding a different **program/degree type**, or courses with a different program type, to a nursing education unit with an accredited program, not a new program option within a program of study for an accredited program. | **Form for Reporting: ** |
## **Adding a Nursing Program Option**
| | |
| --- | --- |
| A nursing **program option **is a program of study designed for a subset of students within a nursing program (degree/credential type).
For example, in an associate degree program, a curriculum made specifically for LPNs would be considered a nursing program option.
See [Curriculum: Changes in Nursing Content](https://acenursing.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/SC1/pages/1998192687) for information on how to determine if a change to a nursing course is considered substantive. | **Form for Reporting: ** |
| |
| --- |
| **Determining if a Substantive Change Report is Required**
Adding a nursing program option within a nursing program by adding, deleting, and/or substituting existing nursing courses to form the new nursing program option require reporting.
- Changes of 50% or more of the nursing courses through the addition, deletion, and/or substitution of nursing credits/clock hours to form a new program option follow Procedure 1 for review and require Board of Commissioner approval.
- Changes of 1-49% of the nursing courses through the addition, deletion, and/or substitution of nursing credits/clock hours to form the new program do NOT require reporting. |
For more information please review [Policy #14 Reporting Substantive Changes](https://www.acenursing.org/accreditation/accred-manual/policy14)