Delta State University’s Robert E. Smith School of Nursing (RESSON) is seeking initial accreditation from the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in the spring of 2015 for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Post-Graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certificate programs.
Members of the accreditation teams will be on campus to review the programs Feb. 25-27, 2015.
The DNP program was approved by the IHL and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in the spring of 2013, which allowed the first student cohort to be admitted in the fall of 2013.
While the APRN program was accredited with the bachelors and masters programs in 2000 by both state and national agencies, CCNE is now requiring separate accreditation for APRN certificate programs.
The commission serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices in the preparation and advancement of nurses. A determination of accreditation by CCNE is an indication of nursing programs with quality and integrity in the educational institution.
“All nursing graduates must graduate from an accredited nursing program in order to be eligible to take their nursing licensure or certification exams,” said Dr. Lizabeth Carlson, dean of RESSON.
The public may submit written and signed third party comments to CCNE until Jan. 26, 2015. All comments should be directed to: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Attn: Third-Party Comments, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 1 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036.
For more information, contact the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing at 662-846-4255.
