The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has reaccredited Vanderbilt University School of Nursing for its master of science in nursing, doctorate in nursing practice and post-master’s certificate programs for a 10-year period through 2031.
The prestigious accreditation comes after an extensive self-study followed by rigorous review by a peer-review team of CCNE examiners and the commission review. The 10-year accreditation approval is the maximum that can be awarded a nursing program.
“Accreditation demonstrates an official, outside agency has examined and confirmed the quality and integrity of our nursing education. It is the public stamp that says our students are educated to the highest national nursing standards,” said Dean Linda Norman, DSN, RN, FAAN, the Valere Potter Menefee Professor of Nursing.
Traditionally, a peer-review team of CCNE examiners conducts a multiday visit, during which it meets with university leaders, faculty, students, preceptors and community representatives; visits clinical sites; attends on-site and online classes; and reviews application materials. Due to restrictions on travel and on-campus visits due to COVID-19, the CCNE examiners conducted VUSN’s site visit virtually.
The examiners evaluated VUSN’s program quality in regard to mission, governance, institutional commitment and resources, curriculum and teaching/learning practices. They also looked at the effectiveness of the school’s programs in terms of program, student and faculty outcomes.
“The CCNE examination not only evaluates the success of a nursing program in achieving its mission, goals and outcomes, but also engenders vision and growth,” Norman said. “Developing the self-study enables us to assess our strengths, standards, procedures and direction; it also illuminates opportunities and even higher goals for the school.”
Norman commended faculty and staff for their efforts and contributions to the school’s accreditation process. “Congratulations to all of you—I know that everyone participated at some level in creating the report, and I thank you,” she said. “Even more important, each of you provide excellent service to the School of Nursing in the work that you do every day. I can’t thank you enough for your dedication to VUSN, Vanderbilt University and the discipline of nursing.”
Recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency that ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing.