Commission Actions – September 2020

Notification of Commission Actions
Spring 2020 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 September 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

Additional InformationInitial Accreditation

The Commission granted initial accreditation to the following programs:

  • Applied Science Private University (Baccalaureate) Amman, Jordan
  • Arkansas Tech University – Ozark (Associate) Ozark, AR
  • Carrington College – Boise (Associate) Boise, ID
  • Carrington College – Mesa (Associate) Mesa, AZ
  • Carrington College – Tucson (Associate) Tucson, AZ
  • College of Staten Island – CUNY (Clinical Doctorate) Staten Island, NY
  • Grayson College (Baccalaureate) Denison, TX
  • Kalamazoo Valley Community College (Associate) Kalamazoo, MI
  • Keiser University – Clearwater (Associate) Clearwater, FL
  • Lake-Sumter State College (Baccalaureate) Leesburg, FL
  • Northwest-Shoals Community College (Practical) Muscle Shoals, AL
  • Rasmussen College – Brooklyn Park/Maple Grove (Practical) Brooklyn Park, MN
  • Rend Lake College (Associate) Ina, IL
  • Rock Valley College (Associate) Rockford, IL
  • Southeastern Technical College (Associate) Vidalia, GA
  • Spoon River College (Associate) Canton, IL
  • Westchester Community College (Associate) Valhalla, NY

Additional InformationContinuing Accreditation

The Commission granted continuing accreditation to the following programs:

  • Aiken Technical College (Associate) Aiken, SC
  • Aiken Technical College (Practical) Aiken, SC
  • Anna Maria College (Baccalaureate) Paxton, MA
  • Arkansas State University (Associate) State University, AR
  • Arkansas State University (Baccalaureate) State University, AR
  • Bridgerland Technical College (Practical) Logan, UT
  • BridgeValley Community & Technical College (Associate) South Charleston, WV
  • Bronx Community College – CUNY (Associate) Bronx, NY
  • Calhoun Community College (Associate) Decatur, AL
  • Calhoun Community College (Practical) Decatur, AL
  • Central Arizona College (Associate) Coolidge, AZ
  • Central Maine Community College (Associate) Auburn, ME
  • Charleston Southern University (Baccalaureate) Charleston, SC
  • County College of Morris (Associate) Randolph, NJ
  • Daytona State College (Baccalaureate) Daytona Beach, FL
  • Eastern Maine Community College (Associate) Bangor, ME
  • Florida State College at Jacksonville (Associate) Jacksonville, FL
  • Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Baccalaureate) Baton Rouge, LA
  • Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) Baton Rouge, LA
  • Fulton-Montgomery Community College (Associate) Johnstown, NY
  • Harcum College (Associate) Bryn Mawr, PA
  • Illinois Central College (Associate) Peoria, IL
  • Illinois Central College (Practical) Peoria, IL
  • Itawamba Community College (Associate) Tupelo, MS
  • Lubbock Christian University (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) Lubbock, TX
  • Macomb Community College (Associate) Clinton Township, MI
  • Massasoit Community College (Associate) Brockton, MA
  • Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Associate) Biloxi, MS
  • Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Practical) Biloxi, MS
  • Moorpark College (Associate) Moorpark, CA
  • Mott Community College (Associate) Flint, MI
  • NMSU-Doña Ana Community College (Associate) Las Cruces, NM
  • Northwest Florida State College (Associate) Niceville, FL
  • Northwest State Community College (Associate) Archbold, OH
  • Queensborough Community College of CUNY (Associate) Bayside, NY
  • Raritan Valley Community College (Associate) Branchburg, NJ
  • Rochester Community & Technical College (Associate) Rochester, MN
  • Rochester Community & Technical College (Practical) Rochester, MN
  • Saint Petersburg College (Associate) Pinellas Park, FL
  • San Juan College (Associate) Farmington, NM
  • Southeast Technical College (Associate) Sioux Falls, SD
  • Southwest Mississippi Community College (Associate) Summit, MS
  • St. Johns River State College (Baccalaureate) Palatka, FL
  • St. Joseph’s College New York (Master’s) Brooklyn, NY
  • St. Louis Community College (Associate) St. Louis, MO
  • St. Peter’s Health Partners – St. Peter’s Hospital (Associate) Albany, NY
  • State College of Florida, Manatee – Sarasota (Associate) Bradenton, FL
  • Trident Technical College (Associate) Charleston, SC
  • Trident Technical College (Practical) Charleston, SC
  • Triton College (Associate) River Grove, IL
  • Truckee Meadows Community College (Associate) Reno, NV
  • Universidad Ana G. Mendez – Cupey Campus (Associate) San Juan, PR
  • Universidad Ana G. Mendez – Cupey Campus (Baccalaureate) San Juan, PR
  • University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Associate) Bradford, PA
  • University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Baccalaureate) Bradford, PA
  • University of Rio Grande (Baccalaureate) Rio Grande, OH
  • Warren County Community College (Associate) Washington, NJ
  • Wayland Baptist University (Master’s) New Braunfels, TX
  • Wesley College (Baccalaureate) Dover, DE
  • Wesley College (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) Dover, DE
  • West Kentucky Community and Technical College (Practical) Paducah, KY
  • Western Wyoming Community College (Associate) Rock Springs, WY

Additional InformationContinuing 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:

  • Becker College (Baccalaureate) Worcester, MA
  • Big Bend Community College (Associate) Moses Lake, WA
  • Bluefield State College (Associate) Bluefield, WV
  • Borough of Manhattan Community College – CUNY (Associate) New York, NY
  • Bucks County Community College (Associate) Newton, PA
  • College of Lake County (Associate) Grayslake, IL
  • Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Associate) Wesson, MS
  • Fayetteville Technical Community College (Associate) Fayetteville, NC
  • Franklin County Career and Technology Center (Practical) Chambersburg, PA
  • Frederick Community College (Associate) Frederick, MD
  • Kansas City Kansas Community College (Associate) Kansas City, KS
  • Mercy College of Health Sciences (Associate) Des Moines, IA
  • Mohave Community College (Associate) Kingman, AZ
  • Ogden-Weber Technical College (Practical) Ogden, UT
  • Paradise Valley Community Colleges – Maricopa Community Colleges (Associate) Phoenix, AZ
  • Rowan College at South Jersey (Associate) Sewell, NJ
  • Snow College (Associate) Richfield, UT
  • Southern Oklahoma Technology Center (Practical) Ardmore, OK
  • Southside College of Health Sciences (Associate) Colonial Heights, VA
  • SUNY College of Technology – Canton (Baccalaureate) Canton, NY
  • Trocaire College (Baccalaureate) Buffalo, NY

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

  • None

Additional InformationContinuing Accreditation – Remove Warning Status

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

  • None

Additional InformationContinuing 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:

  • Cox College (Associate) Springfield, MO
  • North Central Texas College (Associate) Gainesville, TX
  • Tennessee State University (Baccalaureate) Nashville, TN

Additional InformationAffirm Continuing Accreditation

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

  • Eastern Maine Community College (Associate) Bangor, ME
  • Eastern Wyoming College (Associate) Douglas, WY
  • Gardner-Webb University (Clinical Doctorate) Boiling Springs, NC
  • Lehigh Carbon Community College (Practical) Schnecksville, PA
  • Rochester Regional Health System (Practical) Rochester, NY
  • South Louisiana Community College (Associate) Lafayette, LA
  • St. Peter’s Health Partners – St. Peter’s Hospital (Associate) Albany, NY
  • University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Associate) Bradford, PA
  • Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center (Practical) Wilkes-Barre Township, PA

Additional InformationAffirm 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:

  • None

Additional InformationContinuing Accreditation with Conditions

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

  • American School of Nursing and Medical Careers (Practical) Manchester, NH 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.
  • Arkansas State University (Master’s/Post-Master’s Certificate(s)) State University, AR 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 and role-specific professional competencies.
      • 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 and role-specific professional competencies.
  • Baptist Health College Little Rock (Practical) Little Rock, AR related to non-compliance with:
    • Standard 6 Outcomes, Criterion 6.2
      • There is 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.
  • Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (Associate) Martinsburg, WV related to non-compliance with:
    • Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4
      • There is lack of evidence that there is ongoing assessment of the extent to which students attain the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
      • 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 student’s 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 assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of the graduates being employed.
  • Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College (Associate) Moorefield, WV 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 the students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
  • Grambling State University (Master’s) Grambling, LA related to non-compliance with:
    • Standard 4 Curriculum, Criteria 4.1 and 4.2
      • There is a lack of evidence that the curriculum is congruent with established standards for graduate programs, including appropriate role-specific professional standards and guidelines.
      • 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.
    • 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 role-specific professional competencies.
      • 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 role-specific professional competencies.
  • Maine College of Health Professions (Associate) Lewiston, ME related to non-compliance with:
    • Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1, 6.3, and 6.4
      • 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 the students’ completion of the nursing program.
      • There is lack of evidence that assessment data are consistently analyzed and used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of graduates being employed.
  • Miami Dade College (Associate) Miami, FL 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.
      • 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 curriculum is developed by the faculty and regularly reviewed to ensure integrity, rigor, and currency.
      • 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.
  • Missouri Southern State University (Baccalaureate) Joplin, MO 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.
  • Oklahoma Panhandle State University (Baccalaureate) Goodwell, OK related to non-compliance with:
    • Standard 6 Outcomes, Criteria 6.1, 6.3, 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 of a minimum of the three most recent years of available program completion data and the program completion data are aggregated for the nursing program as a whole.
      • There is a lack of evidence of a minimum of the three most recent years of available job placement data and that data are aggregated for the program as a whole.
  • Parkland College (Associate) Champaign, IL related to non-compliance with:
    • Standard 6 Outcomes, Criterion 6.1
      • There is a lack of evidence that assessment data are used in program decision-making for the maintenance and improvement of students’ attainment of the end-of-program student learning outcomes.
  • Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (Associate) Lancaster, PA 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.
  • Pierce College Puyallup (Associate) Puyallup, WA related to non-compliance with:
    • Standard 1 Mission and Administrative Capacity, Criteria 1.8 and 1.9
      • There is a lack of evidence that the nurse administrator has the authority and the responsibility for the development and administration of the program.
      • There is a lack of evidence that the nurse administrator has sufficient time to fulfill the role responsibilities.
      • There is a lack of evidence that the nurse administrator has the authority to prepare and administer the program budget.
  • St. Joseph’s College New York (Baccalaureate) Brooklyn, NY 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 consistently met.
  • Thomas University (Baccalaureate) Thomasville, GA related to non-compliance with:
    • Standard 5 Resources, Criterion 5.1
      • There is a lack of evidence that fiscal resources are sustainable, sufficient to ensure the achievement of the end-of-program student learning outcomes and program outcomes and commensurate with the resources of the governing organization.
  • Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center (Practical) Wilkes-Barre Township, PA 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.
  • York Technical College/University of South Carolina Lancaster (Associate) Rock Hill, SC 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.

Additional InformationContinuing Accreditation with Warning

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

  • None

Additional InformationContinuing Accreditation for Good Cause

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

  • Central Alabama Community College (Associate) Childersburg, AL 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.
  • Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (Baccalaureate) Tallahassee, 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.
  • Neosho County Community College (Associate) Chanute, KS 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.
  • Oakwood University (Baccalaureate) Huntsville, AL 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.
  • Tennessee State University (Associate) Nashville, TN 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.

Additional InformationAffirm 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:

  • Mid-Plains Community College (Associate) North Platte, NE 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.
      • 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.
  • SUNY Broome Community College (Associate) Binghamton, NY related to non-compliance with:
    • Standard 2 Faculty and Staff, Criterion 2.2
      • There is a lack of evidence that part-time faculty hold educational qualifications as required by the state.
    • 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.

Additional InformationAffirm 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.

  • None

Additional InformationAffirm 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:

  • 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.

Additional InformationDeny Initial Accreditation

The Commission denied initial accreditation to the following program:

  • None

Additional InformationDeny Continuing Accreditation

The Commission denied continuing accreditation to the following program

  • None

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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/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.

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