SARAH YORO | staff writer
The School of Nursing was recently accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for a ten years period—the maximum amount for any nursing institution. It has been accredited through the CCNE since 2003, and was previously accredited for five years under the National League of Nursing.
“It is essential for the survival of the School of Nursing to be nationally accredited,” Dean of the School of Nursing Aja Tulleners Lesh said. “We wouldn’t have any students if we didn’t have accreditation.”
The accreditation process begins one to two years before the site visit by the accreditation committee. During this time, the School of Nursing writes a report—usually two books consisting of several hundred pages each—to submit to the accrediting committee.
After the report is submitted, site visitors come to the campus to observe and evaluate the program. Lesh states their job is to verify that the information in the report is true.
“Normally when you have accreditation you may get a series of findings which are not sufficient and the committee says ‘we’re not going to accredit you,’” Lesh said. “The exciting thing is that there were no areas of findings that we needed to address.”
According to students, the successful site visit and the 10-year accreditation are positive reflections of the School of Nursing’s faculty and staff.
“It’s a wonderful reflection in the sense that they’ve made a sincere effort to reach out to their students and guide them through the process,” senior nursing major Leigh Hammerstein said. “They give a lot of personal attention and it feels really good to know that you have someone watching out for you.”
Students also believe the style of teaching and professionalism of the faculty and staff help set the School of Nursing apart from other nursing programs.
“My professors have done an excellent job helping me progress through every semester,” junior nursing major Tony Jien said. “They keep me accountable.”
While the School of Nursing has received much positive feedback for their achievement, Lesh believes the accreditation has helped the program refocus on the real issue at hand.
“The accreditation refocused us on the importance of having high standards and high academic achievements, but also having the vocation, calling, and heart for nursing,” Lesh said. “I think the fact that we’ve been able to graduate so many nurses into the community really makes a difference in healthcare.”
In addition to high academic standard, the School of Nursing also places emphasis on service.
According to Lesh, the accreditation has been an affirming experience for the School of Nursing.
