University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) has announced that the university’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has been granted accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE accreditation is a nongovernmental peer review process that operates in accordance with nationally recognized standards established for the practice of accreditation in the United States. The initial five-year accreditation, the maximum accreditation a new program can receive, comes following a rigorous process that included submission of a comprehensive self-study, a site visit by the CCNE accrediting team, and a thorough review of the MSN curriculum and processes.
“This is a critical milestone for the university, which launched graduate nursing education programs in 2017,” said USAHS President Dr. Divina Grossman. “Earning CCNE accreditation for the MSN program allows the College of Nursing to help in the national effort to address the critical shortage of graduate-prepared nurses and nurse educators. USAHS has a strong reputation for excellence, and our students and graduates have been recognized by our clinical partners for their high level of professionalism and excellence in health care settings.”
“Flexibility, innovation and a quality education are the foundations of the MSN program at USAHS, and I am very proud of this recognition from CCNE and what it represents for the university as we endeavour to provide interprofessional, practice-based and career-focused graduate nursing programs,” said Dr. Cindy Mathena, Dean of Post Professional Studies.
“USAHS leadership, faculty, the MSN advisory board and current MSN students all contributed to this effort, and we thank them for their continued commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Robin Dennison, Director of Nursing Programs. “This national CCNE accreditation is vital to students and signifies that USAHS is delivering a high-quality MSN program that is relevant to the modern needs of students and their careers. We strive to be a national leader in providing interprofessional, comprehensive health sciences programs.”
CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of academic nursing programs through its robust accreditation process, serving the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and entry-to-practice nurse residency programs.
The MSN is an online program, giving students the choice of four role specializations that offer optional campus-based experiences and provides students access to nursing faculty members who are nurse leaders in practice and education. The program gives students 24/7 access to online courses and learning resources, providing the flexibility to fit within the busy schedule working nurses must manage.
About University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution that offers degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, education and health science, as well as continuing education programs. Founded in 1979, USAHS educates students through its network of campuses in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Miami, Florida. USAHS is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
For more information: www.usa.edu.
