This spring the university?s College of Health and Applied Sciences was notified that both its bachelor of science and masters of science degrees in nursing were accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The nursing program has had continuous accreditation through the National League for Nursing and now through the commission since the program started at UCA. The CCNE is a new organization developed to accredit the more extensive curriculum of nursing programs at 4-year colleges. College of Health and Applied Sciences Dean Neil Hattlestad said the program?s accreditation status backs up the credibility of the program.
?To go through CCNE for the first time to get a 10-year cycle and to get that with no deficiencies sited is a major accomplishment,? Hattlestad said. ?It is a real tribute to Dr. [Barbara] Williams and our nursing faculty.?
To begin the process of becoming accredited, the nursing faculty spent two years evaluating the program and doing a self-study to look at itself and determine strengths and weaknesses within the program. Faculty members spent time gathering data from graduates including how prepared they felt they were after going through the program. They also surveyed employers about UCA graduates and the results of the training they received from the university.
?It takes a great deal of faculty time,? Hattlestad said. ?It?s a pretty exhaustive introspective look at your program.?
Hattlestad was proud of the program and its reputation for producing well-respected nurses. He said its percentage of students passing the license exam on their first attempt tops other schools in the state.
?If you look at license of exam results, over the last 10 years UCA?s first rite passage rate has consistently been the highest in 4-year colleges in Arkansas,? Hattlestad said. ?Our graduates are in high demand.?
Impressive test results and accreditation through the CCNE have helped the UCA nursing program make a name for itself as one of the top nursing programs in the state.
?It just ensures the public that we?re producing quality graduates,? Hattlestad said.
-Rachel Roberts