Ottawa University 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 nursing.
“We are extremely pleased at this affirmation of our outstanding nursing program,” Ottawa University Chancellor Kevin Eichner said. “Many of our bachelors’ graduates have been anxious for this added approval, as has been the case for all of us at Ottawa. We are very proud of this program, and appreciative of the CCNE designation. This is a major milestone in our continued efforts to expand our health care offerings at a time when our nation and the world needs more of the type of values-centered education Ottawa University provides.”
The initial five-year accreditation, usually the maximum accreditation duration new programs 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. 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. The accreditation process is self-regulatory, and supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs.
“We are extremely pleased and proud to announce that our MSN program has earned CCNE accreditation,” Dr. Kathy Kump, OU’s director of nursing, said. “Accreditation from the CCNE means Ottawa University is poised to help the national effort to address the critical shortage of nursing as well as continue to prepare nursing professionals for leadership positions. We are grateful for the commitment and contributions of our university leadership, experienced faculty and the nursing advisory board in this effort to earn CCNE accreditation,” Kump said. “We are proud of the role our nursing graduates will play in helping improve the access to health care nationwide.”
In addition to the MSN, OU’s nursing program offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) and a BSN through a Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) with partner institutions, including Maricopa Community College nursing programs in Arizona and Ivy Tech Community College nursing programs in Indiana. These nursing students complete coursework for an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing degree and a Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing degree at the same time.
Furthermore, OU partners with Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College and Neosho County (Kan.) Community College with its Transfer Advantage program to provide opportunities for students who are pursuing an associate’s degree in nursing or a related health-care field.
Visit http://www.ottawa.edu/nursing to learn more about the newly accredited MSN program, and all of OU’s nursing degree options.
