NW-SCC practical nursing student trains in nursing lab prior to COVID-19 pandemic
MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL– Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) recently received official notification that the Practical Nursing program has been granted initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
“The accreditation of the Practical Nursing program at Northwest-Shoals shows what hard working and dedicated faculty and staff we have in our health studies division and at the College in general,” said NW-SCC President Dr. Glenda Colagross. “We continue to be committed to improving and continuing our innovative program offerings and powerful learning experiences for all our students and especially those in our healthcare career pathways.”
In order to receive accreditation through ACEN, NW-SCC had to apply for and undergo a comprehensive review process that evaluates the quality and effectiveness of its Practical Nursing (PN) program.
“It is great that Northwest-Shoals nursing graduates can say they graduated from a nationally accredited program,” stated NW-SCC Director of Nursing Education Brittney Humphres. “ACEN accreditation indicates to the general public and to the educational community that the College’s practical nursing program has clear and appropriate educational objectives and is working to achieve these objectives. Accreditation helps our students in job placement and assists employers in selecting graduates who are competent practitioners.”
Dr. Glenda Colagross
The ACEN is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) as a specialized accrediting agency for nursing education programs located in the United States and its territories. The ACEN is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for nursing education programs in the United States and its territories as well as for international nursing education programs.
The PN program was established in 1974 on what is now the Shoals Campus of NW-SCC. Currently, the PN Program is offered on both campuses of NW-SCC with two admission cohorts each year. Approximately 120 students are admitted into the PN program annually. The PN program joins the ranks of nationally accredited programs in the College’s Health Studies Division with Associate Degree Nursing, Medical Assisting Technology, and Emergency Medical Services programs.
The NW-SCC PN program provides students the ability to obtain the skills and knowledge leading to employment in the nursing field. The program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the state licensing examination (NCLEX-PN) for licensure as Practical Nurses.
For more information related to the nursing program at NW-SCC, please visit https://www.nwscc.edu/program-of-study/health-studies or email mwinstead@nwscc.edu. The 2021 nursing admission application deadline is October 26, 2020.
OFFICIAL ACEN NOTIFICATION STATEMENT:
The practical nursing program at Northwest-Shoals Community College at the Phil Campbell Campus, located in Phil Campbell, Alabama, and the Shoals Campus, located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the practical nursing program is Initial Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
Media Release/Trent Randolph
Public Information Officer
Northwest-Shoals Community College
