Notification of Commission Actions
Fall 2019 Accreditation Cycle

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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 March 2020. 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[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission granted initial accreditation to the following programs:

Ambria College of Nursing (Associate) Hoffman Estates, IL
Central Oregon Community College (Associate) Bend, OR
Dixie Technical College (Practical) St. George, UT
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (Associate) Cloquet, MN
Front Range Community College – Larimer Campus (Practical) Fort Collins, CO
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (Practical) Rock Spring, GA
Hennepin Technical College (Practical) Brooklyn Park, MN
John A. Logan College (Associate) Carterville, IL
North Georgia Technical College (Associate) Clarkesville, GA
Sauk Valley Community College (Associate) Dixon, IL
Sauk Valley Community College (Practical) Dixon, IL
Seminole State College of Florida (Baccalaureate) Altamonte Springs, FL
Southern Technical College – Fort Myers (Associate) Fort Myers, FL
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Master’s) Weatherford, OK
Stephen F. Austin State University (Master’s) Nacogdoches, TX
University of the District of Columbia (Associate) Washington, DC

Continuing Accreditation[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission granted continuing accreditation to the following programs:

Alderson Broaddus University (Baccalaureate) Philippi, WV
Amarillo College (Associate) Amarillo, TX
Blackhawk Technical College (Associate) Janesville, WI
Brookdale Community College (Associate) Lincroft, NJ
Capital Community College (Associate) Hartford, CT
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County (Practical) Scranton, PA
Central Piedmont Community College (Associate) Charlotte, NC
Clark State Community College (Associate) Springfield, OH
Coahoma Community College (Associate) Clarksdale, MS
Colegio Universitario de San Juan (Associate) San Juan, PR
College of Saint Mary (Baccalaureate) Omaha, NE
Community College of Beaver County (Associate) Monaca, PA
Community College of Rhode Island (Associate) Warwick, RI
Community College of Rhode Island (Practical) Warwick, RI
Daemen College (Baccalaureate) Amherst, NY
Daemen College (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) Amherst, NY
Delaware State University (Baccalaureate) Dover, DE
Delta College (Associate) University Center, MI
Duke Regional Hospital (Diploma) Durham, NC
Edgecombe Community College (Associate) Rocky Mount, NC
Edgecombe Community College (Practical) Rocky Mount, NC
Essex County College (Associate) Newark, NJ
Fox Valley Technical College (Associate) Appleton, WI
Fox Valley Technical College (Practical) Appleton, WI
Gateway Technical College (Associate) Kenosha, WI
Georgia Highlands College (Baccalaureate) Rome, GA
Great Basin College (Associate) Elko, NV
Great Basin College (Baccalaureate) Elko, NV
Gulf Coast State College (Associate) Panama City, FL
Heartland Community College (Associate) Normal, IL
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (Associate) Myrtle Beach, SC
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (Practical) Myrtle Beach, SC
Howard Community College (Associate) Columbia, MD
Howard Community College (Practical) Columbia, MD
Indiana State University (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) Terre Haute, IN
Iowa Wesleyan University (Baccalaureate) Mount Pleasant, IA
Keiser University – Orlando (Associate) Orlando, FL
Keiser University – Tallahassee (Associate) Tallahassee, FL
Keiser University – West Palm Beach (Associate) West Palm Beach, FL
Lakeshore Technical College (Associate) Cleveland, WI
Laramie County Community College (Associate) Cheyenne, WY
Madison Area Technical College (Associate) Madison, WI
Mercer County Community College (Associate) Trenton, NJ
Middle Georgia State University (Associate) Macon, GA
Middle Georgia State University (Baccalaureate) Macon, GA
Monterey Peninsula College (Associate) Monterey, CA
Montgomery County Community College (Associate) Blue Bell, PA
Muskegon Community College (Associate) Muskegon, MI
North Dakota State College of Science (Practical) Wahpeton, ND
North Iowa Area Community College (Associate) Mason City, IA
Northampton Community College (Associate) Bethlehem, PA
Northern Maine Community College (Associate) Presque Isle, ME
Northwest College (Associate) Powell, WY
Oakton Community College (Associate) Des Plaines, IL
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College (Practical) Orangeburg, SC
Pacific Union College (Associate) Angwin, CA
Palm Beach State College (Baccalaureate) Lake Worth, FL
Purdue University Northwest (Baccalaureate) Hammond, IN
Purdue University Northwest (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) Hammond, IN
Reading Hospital (Diploma) Reading, PA
Regis College (Baccalaureate) Weston, MA
Rivier University (Associate) Nashua, NH
Rivier University (Baccalaureate) Nashua, NH
Rivier University (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) Nashua, NH
Rockford University (Baccalaureate) Rockford, IL
San Jacinto College – Central Campus (Associate) Pasadena, TX
Seminole State College (Associate) Seminole, OK
Southwest Baptist University (Associate) Springfield, MO
Southwest Baptist University (Baccalaureate) Springfield, MO
Southwest Baptist University (Master’s) Springfield, MO
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Baccalaureate) Weatherford, OK
St. Vincent’s College at Sacred Heart University (Associate) Bridgeport, CT
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi (Associate) Delhi, NY
Trinity Health System (Diploma) Steubenville, OH
Universidad de Puerto Rico en Humacao (Baccalaureate) Humacao, PR
University of the Virgin Islands (Baccalaureate) Kingshill, St. Croix, VI
Utah State University (Associate) Logan, UT
Utah State University (Practical) Logan, UT
Wake Technical Community College (Associate) Raleigh, NC
West Virginia University at Parkersburg (Associate) Parkersburg, WV

Continuing Accreditation – Remove Conditions Status[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission removed the conditions status and granted continuing accreditation after review of a follow-up report to the following programs:

Bay de Noc Community College (Associate) Escanaba, MI
Chaffey College (Associate) Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Grand Rapids Community College (Associate) Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Community College (Practical) Grand Rapids, MI
Governors State University (Baccalaureate) University Park, IL
Hudson Valley Community College (Associate) Troy, NY
Kean University (Baccalaureate) Union, NJ
Kean University (Master’s) Union, NJ
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (Associate) Opp, AL
Maria College (Baccalaureate) Albany, NY
Morrisville State College (Associate) Morrisville, NY
Norfolk State University (Baccalaureate) Norfolk, VA
Northwest Mississippi Community College (Associate) Senatobia, MS
Shoreline Community College (Associate) Seattle, WA
Terra State Community College (Associate) Fremont, OH

The Commission removed the conditions status and granted continuing accreditation after a follow-up visit to the following programs:

None

Continuing Accreditation – Remove Warning Status[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission removed the warning status and granted continuing accreditation after a follow-up visit to the following programs:

None

Continuing Accreditation – Remove Good Cause Status[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission removed the good cause status and granted continuing accreditation after a follow-up visit to the following programs:

None

Affirm Continuing Accreditation[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission affirmed continuing accreditation after a focused visit to the following programs:

Brookdale Community College (Associate) Lincroft, NJ
Bryant & Stratton College – Milwaukee West (Practical) Wauwatosa, WI
Cardinal Stritch University (Master’s) Milwaukee, WI
Germanna Community College – Locust Grove (Associate) Locust Grove, VA
Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc. (Diploma) Metuchen, NJ
Las Vegas College (Associate) Henderson, NV
Lipscomb University (Baccalaureate) Nashville, TN
Murray State College (Associate) Tishomingo, OK
Northwest Arkansas Community College (Associate) Bentonville, AR
Rasmussen College – Ocala (Associate) Ocala, FL
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (Associate) Kannapolis, NC
Roxborough Memorial Hospital (Diploma) Philadelphia, PA
St. Vincent’s College at Sacred Heart University (Associate) Bridgeport, CT

Affirm Continuing Accreditation – Remove Good Cause Status[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission removed the good cause status and granted continuing accreditation after a focused visit to the following programs:

None

Continuing Accreditation with Conditions[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission granted continuing accreditation with conditions to the following programs:

Colorado Mesa University (Practical) Grand Junction, CO 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.
Cypress College (Associate) Cypress, CA 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.
Erie Community College (Associate) Williamsville, NY related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 2 Faculty and Staff, Criterion 2.2
  - There is a lack of evidence that part-time nursing faculty hold educational qualifications as required by the state.
Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc. (Diploma) Metuchen, NJ related to non-compliance with:
- 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.
Keiser University – Jacksonville (Associate) Jacksonville, 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.
South Plains College (Associate) Levelland, TX 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.
Waubonsee Community College (Associate) Aurora, IL 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 for the development and administration of the program.
  - There is a lack of evidence that the nurse administrator has sufficient time and personnel/resources to fulfill the role responsibilities.
- Standard 4 Curriculum, Criteria 4.2 and 4.8
  - 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 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 the total number of credit hours required to complete the defined nursing program of study is consistent with the policies of the governing organization.

Continuing Accreditation with Warning[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission granted continuing accreditation with warning to the following programs:

None

Continuing Accreditation for Good Cause[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission granted continuing accreditation for good cause to the following programs:

Redlands Community College (Associate) El Reno, OK 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.
Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences (Associate) New York, NY related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 4 Curriculum, Criteria 4.1 and 4.3
  - There is a lack of evidence that the curriculum is consistent with contemporary nursing practice, incorporates established professional nursing standards, guidelines, and competencies, and has clearly articulated end-of-program student learning outcomes.
  - There is a lack of evidence that the curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure integrity, rigor, and currency.
- Standard 5 Resources, Criterion 5.1
  - There is a lack of evidence that fiscal resources are sustainable to ensure the achievement of the end-of-program student learning outcomes and program outcomes and commensurate with the resources of the governing organization.
- 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.
  - There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ success on the licensure examination.

Affirm Continuing Accreditation, Change Status to Continuing Accreditation with Conditions[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission affirmed the continuing accreditation and changed the accreditation status to continuing accreditation with conditions after a focused visit to the following program:

Fortis College – Centerville (Associate) Centerville, OH 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.
  - 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.
Montana State University – Northern (Baccalaureate) Havre, MT related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 1 Mission and Administrative Capacity, Criterion 1.5
  - There is a lack of evidence that the nursing education unit is administered by a nurse who is doctorally prepared.
Riverland Community College (Associate) Austin, MN 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.
Southeast Arkansas College (Associate) Pine Bluff, AR related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 4 Curriculum, Criteria 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.7
  - There is a lack of evidence that the curriculum is consistent with contemporary nursing practice, incorporates established professional nursing standards, guidelines, and competencies and has clearly articulated end-of-program student learning outcomes.
  - 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 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 reflect established professional and practice competencies and 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 a plan for ongoing assessment of the extent to which students will attain the end-of-program student learning outcomes in the new curriculum.
  - 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’ 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.

Affirm Continuing Accreditation, Change Status to Continuing Accreditation with Warning[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission affirmed the continuing accreditation and changed the accreditation status to continuing accreditation with warning after a focused visit to the following programs.

None

Affirm Continuing Accreditation, Change Status to Continuing Accreditation for Good Cause[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission changed the accreditation status to continuing accreditation for good cause after a focused visit to the following programs:

None

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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 May 29, 2019. The ACEN will forward to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education any comments submitted by the nursing program.

Deny Initial Accreditation[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission denied initial accreditation to the following program:

None

Deny Continuing Accreditation[fontawesome icon=”info” circle=”yes” size=”small” iconcolor=”#FFFFFF” circlecolor=”#580E8B” circlebordercolor=””]

The Commission denied continuing accreditation to the following program

Excelsior College (Associate) Albany, NY related to non-compliance with:
- Standard 4 Curriculum, Criterion 4.9
  - There is a lack of evidence that student clinical experiences and practice learning environments are evidence-based, reflect contemporary practice and national health and patient safety goals, and support the achievement of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
- 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.

Disclosure Statement Regarding the Status of the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Excelsior College
Updated 07/08/2020

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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.

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
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.

Notification of Commission Actions Fall 2019 Accreditation Cycle