Allison Oster
Public Relations Manager
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APU's School of Nursing Awarded Maximum Accreditation Period
January 22, 2009
AZUSA, Calif. –
Azusa Pacific University’s School of Nursing recently received reaccredidation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), an accrediting branch of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), for 10 years – the maximum number of years available.
“Accreditation focuses on educational quality and an organization’s pursuit of excellence,” said Aja Lesh, Ph.D., RN, dean of APU’s School of Nursing. “Full compliance with CCNE standards recognizes the quality and the integrity of APU’s baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs, and allows the school to participate in federally funded and state entitlement programs. Accreditation also enhances employment opportunities as employers prefer to hire practitioners trained under nationally established standards of nursing.”
Following more than a year of preparation by the School of Nursing, including completing an extensive self study, the CCNE evaluators visited the campus in 2008 to assess the program through a full on-site review. The visit included observations of teaching methodologies in nursing classes and visits to clinical sites and hospital facilities to observe practicum experiences. The evaluators also met with individuals and groups of undergraduate and graduate nursing students, faculty, administration, nursing alumni, and members of the community. The review focuses on four areas of importance: mission and outcomes, resources necessary to the mission, curriculum and teaching learning practices, and overall program effectiveness.
“A 10 year accreditation reflects APU’s strong reputation within the nursing community,” said Lesh. “Our students are actively sought out by hospitals and other health care service organizations due to their professional training and caring attitude toward patients. I am very pleased at the recognition of our efforts by CCNE to provide the highest quality education possible to our students. The faculty, administration, and our clinical partners in the community are to be commended for their dedication to nursing education and health care excellence.”
The school will hold a celebration reception on Mon., Jan. 26, from 2-4 p.m. in Building 1 on the university’s West Campus.
The CCNE, launched in 1996, is the only national agency dedicated exclusively to the accreditation of bachelor’s- and graduate-degree nursing education programs. An independent arm of the AACN, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages constant self-assessment by nursing education programs and the continued growth and improvement of collegiate professional education.
APU’s School of Nursing offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as post-master’s credentials to personalized programs such as the LVN to RN, the RN to BSN, the articulated RN to MSN, and the Second Careers in Nursing (S.C.A.N.) Program, and a Ph.D. in Nursing. The School of Nursing prepares students to enter the health care field with a solid foundation in research, theory, clinical skills, and hands-on community service, setting them apart as leaders in their profession qualified to change the face of health care delivery.
Azusa Pacific University is a comprehensive, evangelical, Christian university located 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles. A leader in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, APU is committed to God First and excellence in higher education. Offering more than 60 areas of undergraduate study, 26 master's degree programs, and 7 doctorates to a total student population of more than 8,100 on campus, online, and at seven regional centers across Southern California, APU has been recognized as one of U.S. News’ Best Colleges for six years running and by Princeton Review as one of the Best in the West. APU graduates are known for professional excellence, the highest ethical standards, and their desire to make a difference in the world.
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