Notification of Commission Actions
Spring 2021 Accreditation Cycle
The following publicly available information is provided by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) concerning the accreditation status of the following programs reviewed by the ACEN Board of Commissioners during its meeting in September 2021. Commission staff will not speculate on what decision might be made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners the next time a program is reviewed. For additional information regarding ACEN accreditation process, access the Accreditation Manual at https://www.acenursing.org/resources-for-nursing-programs/resources-acen-accreditation-manual/
Access the ACEN 2017 Standards and Criteria by program type:
Initial and Continuing Accreditation Actions
Initial Accreditation
The Commission granted initial accreditation to the following programs:
- Arapahoe Community College (Baccalaureate) Littleton, CO
- Arnot Ogden Medical Center (Associate) Elmira, NY
- College of Eastern Idaho (Associate) Idaho Falls, ID
- Collin County Community College District (Baccalaureate) McKinney, TX
- Duke Regional Hospital (Baccalaureate) Durham, NC
- ECPI University – Manassas (Associate) Manassas, VA
- ECPI University – Newport News (Associate) Newport News, VA
- EDP University of Puerto Rico (Baccalaureate) San Juan, PR
- FVI School of Nursing and Technology (Associate) Miramar, FL
- Grove City College (Baccalaureate) Grove City, PA
- Lake Area Technical College (Associate) Watertown, SD
- Laredo College (Baccalaureate) Laredo, TX
- Lone Star College – The Woodlands (Baccalaureate) Conroe, TX
- New England Institute of Technology (Master’s) East Greenwich, RI
- Riverside College of Health Careers (Baccalaureate) Newport News, VA
- Southern Crescent Technical College (Associate) Griffin, GA
- Southern Crescent Technical College (Practical) Griffin, GA
- Southern Union State Community College(Practical) Opelika, AL
- Universidad del Norte (Baccalaureate) Área Metropolitana Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
- University of North Georgia (Clinical Doctorate) Dahlonega, GA
- University of the Cumberlands (Associate) Williamsburg, KY
- West Virginia Junior College (Associate) Morgantown, WV
- Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (Practical) Valdosta, GA
Continuing Accreditation
The Commission granted continuing accreditation to the following programs:
- Augusta Technical College (Practical) Augusta, GA
- Baton Rouge Medical Center (Diploma) Baton Rouge, LA
- Bethune – Cookman University (Baccalaureate) Daytona Beach, FL
- Blinn College (Associate) Bryan, TX
- Bryant & Stratton College – Richmond (Associate) North Chesterfield, VA
- Bryant & Stratton College – Richmond (Practical) North Chesterfield, VA
- Catawba Valley Community College (Associate) Hickory, NC
- Central Carolina Technical College (Associate) Sumter, SC
- Chattahoochee Technical College (Associate) Dallas, GA
- Clearfield County Career and Technology Center (Practical) Clearfield, PA
- Eastern New Mexico University (Baccalaureate) Portales, NM
- Eastern New Mexico University (Master’s) Portales, NM
- EDP University of Puerto Rico (Associate) San Juan, PR
- Galen College of Nursing – Cincinnati (Associate) Cincinnati, OH
- Galen College of Nursing – Tampa Bay (Associate) St. Petersburg, FL
- James A. Rhodes State College (Associate) Lima, OH
- Kingsborough Community College of the City University of New York (Associate) Brooklyn, NY
- Lake Area Technical College (Practical) Watertown, SD
- Lake Michigan College (Associate) Benton Harbor, MI
- Lawrence Memorial/Regis College Collaborative (Associate) Medford, MA
- Lincoln Land Community College (Associate) Springfield, IL
- Lincoln Technical Institute (Practical) Lincoln, RI
- Louisiana State University at Alexandria (Associate) Alexandria, LA
- Louisiana State University at Alexandria (Baccalaureate) Alexandria, LA
- Louisiana Tech University (Associate) Ruston, LA
- McLennan Community College (Associate) Waco, TX
- Metropolitan State University of Denver (Baccalaureate) Denver, CO
- Mississippi Delta Community College (Associate) Moorhead, MS
- Mohawk Valley Community College (Associate) Utica, NY
- Montana State University – Northern (Associate) Havre, MT
- Montana State University – Northern (Baccalaureate) Havre, MT
- New York City College of Technology (Baccalaureate) Brooklyn, NY
- North Arkansas College (Associate) Harrison, AR
- Northern Essex Community College (Associate) Lawrence, MA
- Northern Essex Community College (Practical) Lawrence, MA
- Pensacola State College (Associate) Pensacola, FL
- Pueblo Community College (Associate) Pueblo, CO
- Rasmussen University – Central Pasco (Associate) Odessa, FL
- Rasmussen University – Central Pasco (Practical) Odessa, FL
- River Valley Community College (Associate) Claremont, NH
- Southern Union State Community College (Associate) Opelika, AL
- SUNY Adirondack Community College (Associate) Queensbury, NY
- University of North Georgia (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) Dahlonega, GA
- Wayne Community College (Associate) Goldsboro, NC
- Wayne Community College (Practical) Goldsboro, NC
- Yakima Valley College (Associate) Yakima, WA
- Yavapai College (Associate) Prescott, AZ
Continuing Accreditation – Remove Conditions Status
The Commission removed the conditions status and granted continuing accreditation after review of a follow-up report to the following programs:
- Chipola College (Baccalaureate) Marianna, FL
- Colorado Mesa University (Practical) Grand Junction, CO
- Dalton State College (Associate) Dalton, GA
- Dalton State College (Baccalaureate) Dalton, GA
- Gardner – Webb University (Associate) Boiling Springs, NC
- Gardner – Webb University (Baccalaureate) Boiling Springs, NC
- Hillsborough Community College (Associate) Tampa, FL
- Kentucky State University (Baccalaureate) Frankfort, KY
- Marion Technical College (Associate) Marion, OH
- Montana State University – Northern (Baccalaureate) Havre, MT
- SUNY Broome Community College (Associate) Binghamton, NY
- Technical College of the Lowcountry (Associate) Beaufort, SC
The Commission removed the conditions status and granted continuing accreditation after a follow-up visit to the following programs:
Continuing Accreditation – Remove Warning Status
The Commission removed the warning status and granted continuing accreditation after a follow-up visit to the following programs:
Continuing Accreditation – Remove Good Cause Status
The Commission removed the good cause status and granted continuing accreditation after a follow-up visit to the following programs:
- Carrington College – Phoenix (Associate) Phoenix, AZ
Affirm Continuing Accreditation
The Commission affirmed continuing accreditation after a focused visit to the following programs:
- EDP University of Puerto Rico (Associate) San Juan, PR
- Franklin Pierce University (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) Manchester, NH
- Lake Area Technical College (Practical) Watertown, SD
- Mount Aloysius College (Baccalaureate) Cresson, PA
- Rasmussen University – Central Pasco (Associate) Odessa, FL
- Rasmussen University – Central Pasco (Practical) Odessa, FL
- Rogers State University (Baccalaureate) Claremeore, OK
The Commission affirmed accreditation after a verification visit to the following programs:
- Bowie State University (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) Bowie, MD
- Bryant & Stratton College – Richmond (Associate) North Chesterfield, VA
- Bryant & Stratton College – Richmond (Practical) North Chesterfield, VA
- Central Carolina Technical College (Associate) Sumter, SC
- Chemeketa Community College (Associate) Salem, OR
- Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (Diploma) Johnstown, PA
- FVI School of Nursing & Technology (Associate) Miramar, FL
- Galen College of Nursing – Louisville (Associate) Louisville, KY
- Galen College of Nursing – Tampa Bay (Associate) St. Petersburg, FL
- Greenville Technical College (Associate) Greenville, SC
- Lincoln Technical Institute (Practical) Lincoln, RI
- New England Institute of Technology (Master’s) East Greenwich, RI
- North Arkansas College (Associate) Harrison, AR
- Riverside College of Health Careers (Baccalaureate) Newport News, VA
- Salem City Schools (Practical) Salem, OH
- Snow College (Associate) Richfield, UT
- Southern Crescent Technical College (Associate) Griffin, GA
- Southern Crescent Technical College (Practical) Griffin, GA
- Southern Union State Community College (Associate) Opelika, AL
- Southern Union State Community College (Practical) Opelika, AL
- Tacoma Community College (Associate) Tacoma, WA
- Trinitas School of Nursing/Union County College (Diploma) Elizabeth, NJ
- Trinity Health – St. Francis Medical Center (Diploma) Trenton, NJ
- University of Charleston (Associate) Charleston, WV
- University of Charleston (Baccalaureate) Charleston, WV
- University of North Georgia (Clinical Doctorate) Dahlonega, GA
- University of North Georgia (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) Dahlonega, GA
- West Virginia Junior College (Associate) Morgantown, WV
Affirm Continuing Accreditation – Remove Good Cause Status
The Commission removed the good cause status and granted continuing accreditation after a focused visit to the following programs:
Continuing Accreditation with Conditions
The Commission granted continuing accreditation with conditions to the following programs:
- Bishop State Community College (Associate) Mobile, AL related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1 and 6.2
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which students attain the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that the expected level of achievement for first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period on the licensure examination has been met.
- Bishop State Community College (Practical) Mobile, AL related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criterion 6.1
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which students attain the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- Century College (Associate) White Bear Lake, MN related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 1 Mission and Administrative Capacity, Criterion 1.8
- There is a lack of evidence that the nurse administrator has authority and responsilbilty for the development and administration of the program.
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1 and 6.4
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of graduates being employed.
- Chemeketa Community College (Associate) Salem, OR related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1 and 6.3
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ completion of the nursing program.
- Colby Community College (Associate) Colby, KS related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 4 Curriculum, Criteria 4.2, 4.3, 4.6, and 4.7
- There is a lack of evidence that the end-of-program student learning outcomes are used to guide the delivery of instruction and direct learning activities.
- There is a lack of evidence that the curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure integrity, rigor, and currency.
- There is a lack of evidence that the curriculum and instructional processes reflect educational theory, interprofessional collaboration, and research.
- There is a lack of evidence that evaluation methodologies measure the achievement of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1 and 6.2
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which students attain the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that the expected level of achievement for first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period on the licensure examination has been met.
- Davidson – Davie County Community College (Associate) Lexington, NC related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1 and 6.4
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which students attain the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which graduates of the nursing program are employed.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of graduates being employed.
- There is a lack of evidence of a minimum of the three most recent years of available job placement data aggregated for the program as a whole.
- Lincoln Land Community College (Practical) Springfield, IL related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1 and 6.2
- There is lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ success on the licensure examination.
- Norfolk Technical Center (Practical) Norfolk, VA related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 4 Curriculum, Criteria 4.2 and 4.7
- There is a lack of evidence that there is progression in the course student learning outcomes/course objectives throughout the curriculum in support of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that evaluation methodologies are varied, reflect established professional and practice competencies and measure the achievement of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criterion 6.1
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- Patrick & Henry Community College (Associate) Martinsville, VA related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.2 and 6.3
- There is a lack of evidence that the expected level of achievement for first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period on the licensure examination has been met.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ completion of the nursing program.
- University of Charleston (Associate) Charleston, WV related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which students attain the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of success on the licensure examination.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ completion of the nursing program.
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which graduates of the nursing program are employed.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of graduates being employed.
- University of Charleston (Baccalaureate) Charleston, WV related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which students attain the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of success on the licensure examination.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ completion of the nursing program.
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which graduates of the nursing program are employed.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of graduates being employed.
Continuing Accreditation with Warning
The Commission granted continuing accreditation with warning to the following programs:
Continuing Accreditation for Good Cause
The Commission granted continuing accreditation for good cause to the following programs:
- Chipola College (Associate) Marianna, FL related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criterion 6.2
- There is a lack of evidence that the expected level of achievement for first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period on the NCLEX licensure examination has been met.
- Hocking College (Associate) Nelsonville, OH related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 4 Curriculum, Criteria 4.2, 4.3, and 4.7
- There is a lack of evidence that the end-of-program student learning outcomes are used to organize the curriculum, guide the delivery of instruction, and direct learning activities.
- There is a lack of evidence that the curriculum is developed by the faculty and regularly reviewed to ensure integrity, rigor, and currency.
- There is a lack of evidence that evaluation methodologies measure the achievement of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1, 6.2, and 6.4
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which students attain the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- There is a lack of evidence that the expected level of achievement for first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period on the licensure examination has been met.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of success on the licensure examination.
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which graduates of the nursing program are employed.
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of graduates being employed.
- There is a lack of evidence of a minimum of the three most recent years of available job placement data aggregated for the program as a whole.
- Kentucky State University (Associate) Frankfort, KY related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criterion 6.2
- There is a lack of evidence that the expected level of achievement for first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period on the NCLEX licensure examination has been met.
Affirm Continuing Accreditation, Change Status to Continuing Accreditation with Conditions
The Commission affirmed the continuing accreditation and changed the accreditation status to continuing accreditation with conditions after a focused visit to the following program:
- Bowie State University (Baccalaureate) Bowie, MD related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1 and 6.2
- There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes for all program options.
- There is a lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which students attain the end-of-program student learning outcomes for all program options.
- There is a lack of evidence that the expected level of achievement for first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period on the licensure examination has been met.
- Chicago State University (Baccalaureate) Chicago, IL related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criterion 6.2
- There is a lack of evidence that the expected level of achievement for first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period on the licensure examination has been met.
- Daytona College (Associate) Ormond Beach, FL related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criterion 6.2
- There is a lack of evidence that the expected level of achievement for first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period on the licensure examination has been met.
- Rasmussen University – Bloomington (Associate) Bloomington, MN related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 6 Outcomes, Criterion 6.2
- There is a lack of evidence that the expected level of achievement for first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period on the licensure examination has been met.
Affirm Continuing Accreditation, Change Status to Continuing Accreditation with Warning
The Commission affirmed the continuing accreditation and changed the accreditation status to continuing accreditation with warning after a focused visit to the following programs.
Affirm Continuing Accreditation, Change Status to Continuing Accreditation for Good Cause
The Commission changed the accreditation status to continuing accreditation for good cause after a focused visit to the following programs:
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Adverse Actions
Any program denied initial or continuing accreditation has the right to forward comments regarding the Commission decision to the ACEN by November 8, 2021. The ACEN will forward to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education any comments submitted by the nursing program.
Deny Initial Accreditation
The Commission denied initial accreditation to the following program:
Deny Continuing Accreditation
The Commission denied continuing accreditation to the following program
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Definitions
Continuing Accreditation: A determination by the ACEN Board of Commissioners that a nursing program is in compliance with all Accreditation Standards.
Continuing Accreditation with Conditions: A measure imposed by the ACEN Board of Commissioners following the determination of non-compliance with one (1) or two (2) Accreditation Standards. Next review and follow-up action(s) are determined by the Board of Commissioners.
Continuing Accreditation with Warning: A measure imposed by the ACEN Board of Commissioners following the determination of non-compliance with three (3) or more Accreditation Standards. Next review and follow-up action(s) are determined by the Board of Commissioners.
Continuing Accreditation for Good Cause: A measure imposed by the ACEN Board of Commissioners following the determination that a nursing program has not remedied deficiencies at the conclusion of its maximum monitoring period and the program has (a) has demonstrated significant recent accomplishments in addressing ; (b) has documented that it has the potential to remedy all deficiencies within the extended period as defined by the Commission; that is, that the program provides evidence which makes it reasonable for the Commission to determine it will remedy all deficiencies within the extended time defined by the Commission; and (c) provides assurance to the Commission that it is not aware of any other reasons, other than those identified by the Commission, why the nursing program could not be continued for good cause.
Denied Initial Accreditation: A determination by the ACEN Board of Commissioners that a nursing program is in non-compliance with one or more Accreditation Standard.
Denied Continuing Accreditation: A determination by the ACEN Board of Commissioners that a nursing program on conditions, warning, or for good cause is found to be in continued non-compliance with any Accreditation Standard. Thereafter the nursing program is removed from the listings of accredited programs.
Focused Visit: A site visit authorized by the ACEN Board of Commissioners to review significant accreditation-related information disclosed about a program as a result of:
A substantive change;
Information revealed about a program between periods of scheduled review;
Information received from the governing organization’s accrediting body related to an adverse action;
Information received from the program’s state regulatory agency for nursing related to a change in its status;
Information revealed by a program during the Evaluation Review Panel process;
Information received from the U.S. Department of Education regarding a program’s compliance responsibilities under Title IV of the Higher Education Act such as information related to a program’s most recent student loan default rates, the results of financial or compliance audits, program reviews, and any other information that may be provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Follow-up Report: A report prepared by a program addressing the Standard(s) for which the nursing program was found to be in non-compliance during the program’s previous review by the ACEN Board of Commissioners.
Follow-up Visit: A site visit authorized by the ACEN Board of Commissioners to review significant accreditation-related information for which the nursing program was found to be in non-compliance during the program’s previous review by the ACEN Board of Commissioners.
Initial Accreditation: A determination by the ACEN Board of Commissioners that a nursing program is in compliance with all Accreditation Standards.
Remove the Conditions Status and Grant Continuing Accreditation: A determination by the ACEN Board of Commissioners that a nursing program is in compliance with the Accreditation Standard(s) that the program was found to be in non-compliance during the program’s previous review by the ACEN Board of Commissioners.
Remove the Good Cause Status and Grant Continuing Accreditation: A determination by the ACEN Board of Commissioners that a nursing program is in compliance with the Accreditation Standards that the program was found to be in non-compliance during the program’s previous review by the ACEN Board of Commissioners.
Remove the Warning Status and Grant Continuing Accreditation: A determination by the ACEN Board of Commissioners that a nursing program is in compliance with the Accreditation Standard(s) that the program was found to be in non-compliance during the program’s previous review by the ACEN Board of Commissioners.
Standard:
See ACEN 2017 Standards and Criteria
Clinical Doctorate/DNP Specialist Certificate
Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate
Baccalaureate
Associate
Diploma
Practical
Substantive Change Report: A report submitted by an accredited program informing the ACEN of a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of a nursing program and/or nursing education unit.
Verification Visit: An onsite visit to examine physical facilities and confirm the enrollment of students following a 100% virtual visit.
