News
June 8, 2018Bellevue University RN To BSN Program Earns CCNE Accreditation
Bellevue University recently announced that the baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN) at Bellevue University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
CCNE is officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national and autonomous accreditation agency. CCNE specially approves of the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, and residency programs in nursing. According to University President Dr. Mary Hawkins, “CCNE’s specialized accreditation is an additional stamp of quality on top of our regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and another sign of the high level of preparation that our students experience.”
Dr. Hawkins said the Bellevue University BSN program is unique among other programs in that it allows students to complete their coursework online and fulfill their practicum requirements in their local communities. Dr. Hawkins added that the combination of online coursework and preceptor-supervised practicums offers Registered Nurses who are pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree a greater degree of flexibility than other programs.
“CCNE accreditation is an additional endorsement of our program,” said Bellevue University Program Director Dr. Kimberley Meisinger. She added that “graduating from a CCNE-accredited program provides another path for nurse leaders as they build their careers, and pursue opportunities within their healthcare organizations and within the nursing and nursing education professions.”
The Bellevue University program has long been one of the nation’s few dedicated to creating nursing leaders. According to a report from the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), that is increasingly important because of the convergence of an aging population and the absence of an adequate nursing pipeline. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the job outlook for nurses is growing at a rate of 19 percent, which will result in approximately half a million new nursing openings by 2022.
According to Dr. Meisinger, CCNE accreditation further promotes Bellevue University’s mission. “Employers know our graduates possess the skills needed to fulfill roles today and into tomorrow,” she said. Dr. Meisinger added, “Our nurse leaders bring skills and dedication to an ever-growing and challenging field and CCNE accreditation recognizes the talent and dedication our students, faculty and graduates possess.”
