College’s Nursing Programs Earn Continuing Accreditation

November 13, 2024
By: Tiffany King

The College of Coastal Georgia’s School of Nursing and Health Science is proud to announce that both its Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs once again earned Continuing Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The next evaluation of the programs will be in spring 2032.

This achievement affirms that the College met the high standards set by the ACEN to ensure that students receive a quality education that prepares them for successful careers in nursing. The ACEN specializes in accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs. Having ACEN accreditation indicates to the general public and the educational community that a nursing program has clear and appropriate educational objectives, and is working to achieve those objectives.

Dr. Lydia Watkins, Southeast Georgia Health System distinguished chair and dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, explained that the evaluation process involved the compilation of three years of documentation and data demonstrating how the programs met the required criteria. The criteria included ensuring that the nursing administration and faculty meet certain education and experiential requirements; the availability of appropriate resources for students; curriculum that is current and leads to successful student learning and program outcomes; policies being followed; and that laboratory, simulation, and clinical experiences are provided. The faculty worked together in teams for a year to write a Self-Study Report to tell the programs’ story and how the criteria was met. After the report was submitted to ACEN, peer evaluators visited campus for several days to interview faculty, staff, students, community members, clinical partners, college administration, and campus departments. The evaluators also observed nursing classrooms, labs, and simulations, and submitted their Site Visit Report to ACEN. The Evaluation Review Panel and the Board of Commissioners reviewed the materials and an accreditation decision was made.

“This eight-year continued accreditation is the highest decision that can be presented to a program. The decision demonstrates the quality of the nursing programs at the College of Coastal Georgia and sets the College up for continued excellence and growth in the nursing department,” Watkins said.

One of the programs’ strengths highlighted by ACEN was the support from the University System of Georgia, Southeast Georgia Health System, College of Coastal Georgia Foundation, and private donors. Through partnerships and the generosity of donors, students have benefitted from scholarships, have access to state-of-the-art equipment for learning, and will soon see the Miriam and Hugh Nunnally Hall expanded for more instructional spaces.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has shown their support for the nursing programs over the years. By working together, we’ve been able to open doors for many students who want to become nurses and prepare them to deliver high-quality care to patients,” Watkins said.

The nursing program is also proud to announce that for a second consecutive year, BSN graduates from the Class of 2024 had a 100% pass rate on the first attempt of the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). ASN graduates from 2024 had a 95.74% passing rate. The College’s NCLEX-RN pass rates are consistently above the national average, and the nursing program is typically in the top tier of all Georgia schools. Several times in the past eight years the program has been ranked as No. 1 in the country.

“Faculty and students alike put in an enormous amount of time and energy to ensure quality registered nurses are providing care in our community,” Watkins said. “The newly licensed RNs are fully equipped to provide quality nursing care with their expertise and compassion.”

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences remains on the forefront of healthcare innovation and aims to provide education incorporating holistic care, patient advocacy, and collaborative practices.