Nursing program achieves national re-accreditation
Published on June 12, 2024
NORTH EAST, Md: Cecil College’s registered nursing program received the official re-accreditation letter from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in late May. This re-accreditation certifies that the Nursing program consistently meets or exceeds the standards set forth by the Commission.
ACEN supports nursing education, nursing practice, and the public through accreditation. Accreditation is a peer-review, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for academic quality.
Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt added, “Congratulations to Cecil College’s registered nursing program for receiving reaccreditation. This achievement highlights the program’s commitment to excellence in nursing education and its dedication to maintaining high student and faculty standards. We are steadfast in our mission to fully prepare nurses to meet the challenges of today’s healthcare environment.”
The registered nursing program is at the heart of Cecil College’s Health, Human, and Business Sciences Department, which includes nursing, physical therapist assistant, emergency medical technician, medical administrative assistant, medical assistant, medicine aide, nursing assistant/GNA, paramedic, phlebotomist, and physician professional coder. These programs are operated through the Academic Programs division.
“The caliber of our program is a direct reflection of the expertise and dedication of our faculty. Their unwavering commitment and longevity at the College empower them to discern and address any challenges impacting program quality. With a profound understanding of the curriculum and a collective drive for excellence, they collaborate tirelessly to refine procedures, methods, and course content, ensuring an unparalleled educational experience for our students,” said Dr. Nancy Norman-Marzella, Dean of Health, Human and Business Sciences.
This accreditation provides a high level of assurance to students that they are prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (RN), required to be able to practice as an RN.
Additionally, the nursing program’s faculty maintain competitive expertise in their field by working in clinical settings. They also keep apprised of current trends by engaging in professional development. To ensure the program keeps pace with nursing education and practice standards, the nursing faculty meets monthly to review procedures, methods, and documentation, and a full day of review is held each semester.
In September 2023, the Cecil College Nursing Department hosted a site visit for representatives of ACEN to review the associate degree nursing program and make recommendations to reaccreditation. Individuals and organizations affiliated with the program were invited to meet the ACEN site visit team and share comments about the program in person.
The Board of Commissioners awarded the reaccreditation in March, and it is valid through the fall of 2031. The College was notified of the decision in May. While accreditation is voluntary, nursing programs value accreditation to help assure that a high level of program standards and outcomes are achieved and maintained for their graduates and the communities in which they practice. Programs that are accredited may be eligible for additional state or federal funding resources to support their program.
The re-accreditation letter from ACEN Chief Executive Officer Kathy Chappell, Ph.D., RN, FNAP, FAAN, states: “The Board of Commissioners granted Continuing Accreditation to the associate nursing program and scheduled the next evaluation visit for Fall 2031. … Congratulations on this outstanding achievement! We look forward to continued success for your nursing program.”
The accreditation letter commended Cecil College for its “commitment to continuous quality improvement in Nursing education,” as demonstrated by its participation in programmatic accreditation.