AACN Statement on Fraudulent Nursing Schools

AACN applauds the Department of Justice for shutting down a corrupt scheme involving three fraudulent nursing schools in Florida engaged in selling phony nursing diplomas and transcripts to individuals seeking nursing positions. The schools at the center of this crime ring – Siena College (Lauderhill, FL), Palm Beach School of Nursing (Palm Beach County, FL), and Sacred Heart International Institute (Fort Lauderdale, FL) – are all closed, and the individuals who perpetuated this scam have been indicted. (Read the full Department of Justice press release here.)

Please note that none of these schools are members of AACN, and none of their programs were accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It’s unclear at this point how many of the individuals who acquired fake diplomas were pursuing LPN or RN positions and how many found employment. AACN will continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds.

To report incidents of suspected fraud, please contact the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.