Nursing Program Earns ACEN Accreditation
Published: September 11, 2017
JCC is one of 18 community colleges in NC with the distinction.
Johnston Community College is pleased to announce the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing, known as ACEN, has granted full initial accreditation to its associate degree nursing program.
JCC is now one of 18 community colleges in North Carolina with ACEN accreditation.
ACEN accreditation is a voluntary peer-review process intended to enhance quality improvement in nursing education. ACEN supports the interest of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the functions of accreditation with programs in secondary, postsecondary, and hospital-based governing organizations that offer certificates, diplomas, or degrees.
JCC received its candidacy status in September of 2015 and has worked diligently over the past year and half to complete the comprehensive step process for the accreditation.
Graduation from ACEN accreditation in nursing education is required by many nursing programs for admission to the graduate level. ACEN validates excellence in nursing education and provides transferability to students who decide to transfer in or out of state to universities as well as students who are a part of veteran’s affairs.
Linda Smith, dean of health, wellness and human services, said she believes the accreditation will help JCC nursing graduates be more marketable for job opportunities.
“We are now one out of 18 in the community college system of 56 that are accredited,” Smith said. “This was a challenge, but we were willing to conquer it. It was hard but we knew it was possible. We had to meet every standard 100 percent.”
“We are looking forward to continued success, and we are so grateful for the support of our students, faculty, administration, and community during this process,” she added.
Currently, JCC’s nursing graduates boast a 95-100-pass rate, well above state and national averages, on the NCLEX national licensure exam.
Cut line: JCC’s nursing program is now accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.