School of Nursing
Receives CCNE Accreditation
The School of Nursing at Thomas Edison State College was recently awarded full accreditation for its bachelor's and master's degree programs by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The five-year accreditation resulted from an onsite evaluation of the School’s curriculum conducted in November 2008.
"Earning the CCNE accreditation is especially validating," said Dr. Susan M. O’Brien, dean of the School of Nursing. "We are pleased to have the full support of President George A. Pruitt and the College community for our nursing program and are particularly proud to offer such a quality program to a nationwide community of more than 1,000 RNs. We look forward to further contributing to the profession and the advancement of nursing education."
The accreditation process, which involved a rigorous self-study, provided a chance for students and graduates of the program to share their experiences – as both nursing students and active practitioners – with CCNE evaluators.
"The School of Nursing offered everything that would make my life bearable," said 2009 graduate Geri Sanfillippo, RN, BSN, a nurse at Capital Health System in Trenton, N.J.
Yekeen Odewale, RNC, BSN, said the College provides nurses with the type of program they are looking for. "The school emphasizes evidence-based nursing, which is what we all clamor for as learners," said Odewale, a 2004 graduate who works at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Morris Plains, N.J.
Recognized by the U.S. secretary of education, the CCNE is a specialized, professional accrediting agency that ensures the quality and integrity of bachelor's and graduate nursing programs. During the three days spent at the College, the CCNE team met with key personnel, advisors, students, alumni, partner hospital staff and interested parties from the community that served to substantiate the accreditation. O'Brien praised mentors and staff for the time and effort devoted to the self-study and preparing for the accreditation.
"A large and enthusiastic group of 32 nursing students and alumni met with the accreditors during their site visit," said Dr. O'Brien. "This is noteworthy for an online learning-based program with a student population comprised primarily of working nurses. Equally supportive were those members of the community including a number of chief nursing officers who have either derived the benefits of the program personally or have encouraged others to complete their BSN through Thomas Edison State College."
The College's RN-BSN degree program is also accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and has been continuously accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission since 1990. Thomas Edison State College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.