Clark State Community College’s registered nursing program has renewed its official accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The accreditation recognizes the College’s commitment to quality nursing education that must remain within compliance of ACEN’s national, regional and specialized standards. All standards are reviewed by the United States Department of Education (USDOE).
The accreditation was awarded by the Board of Commissioners and is valid through the fall of 2019. While accreditation is voluntary, it assures that faculty and staff are developing opportunities for student growth as well as preparedness.
“Earning this accreditation ensures that the College’s curriculum is meeting the best standards for continual improvement. Faculty must also meet those standards to establish a quality program,” said Dala DeWitt, MS, RN, Clark State Community College – Springfield Regional School of Nursing program director.
ACEN, formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), also meets standards for the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) which recognizes regional, specialized and professional accrediting bodies that maintain quality, accountability and improvement in higher education.
“Institutions that strive for accreditation in nursing from ACEN are demonstrating the highest commitment to developing the best standards in nursing education and patient care,” adds DeWitt. “We are empowering lifelong learning with our students. Careers do not end after Clark State, they only begin, so students are encouraged to keep going and many go on to earn their BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) and DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice).”
ACEN’s standards address important functions relating to on-going improvement in nursing education. Most importantly, it enables student eligibility for funding support from federal and state agencies; aids in student recruitment and retention; serves as a gateway to licensure, certification and eligibility for entitlement programs; and, fosters ongoing self-examination re-evaluation and focus on the future.
To learn more about ACEN visit www.acenursing.org.