Nursing Program Receives 10-Year Accreditation

David Curry, chair of the Department of Nursing at Plattsburgh State, said it was wonderful news. "The nursing department is very pleased with the 10-year accreditation from CCNE," said Curry. "This will certainly strengthen the opportunities for our nursing students considering graduate school for their master's degrees."

Dr. Robert Golden, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said that the recent accreditation is proof of the high-caliber nursing faculty and staff who educate the students in this program.

"The nursing program at Plattsburgh State was one of 44 programs reviewed this year by CCNE, and one of only 26 to receive 10-year accreditation," said Golden. "The recent accreditation by CCNE validates the high quality of our nursing program."

CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. At its October meeting, the CCNE Board of Commissioners determined that the Plattsburgh State nursing program met all four accreditation standards.

Accreditation by CCNE, said Curry, is proof that the nursing program meets or exceeds the national standards in the educational preparation of nurses.

The National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) has accredited the nursing program at Plattsburgh State since the program's inception in 1965.

The faculty decided several years ago to seek accreditation from CCNE since CCNE's accreditation process was tailored more to baccalaureate-nursing programs than NLNAC.

A team within the nursing department, led by Professor Zoanne Schnell and Associate Professor Lisa Wells, conducted two-years of preliminary work evaluating courses, reviewing student outcomes and preparing the self-study.

In April 2003, an evaluation team from CCNE visited the campus for a three-day accreditation site review. The group toured the campus facilities and two clinical sites --  CVPH Medical Center and Clinton County Health Department.

"While the process of self-study was arduous, the improvements to the curriculum are welcomed by the faculty," said Curry.

A five-year mid-point progress report will be required in 2008 to address compliance with all accreditation standards.
 
The nursing program is seeing growth in its enrollment. There are 252 students enrolled this fall. That's the highest enrollment of nursing majors since 1997 when there were 302.

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