Western New Mexico University
Department of Nursing
News Release October 31, 2007
Contact: Pat McIntire FNP, Chair, Department of Nursing
Silver City—Western New Mexico University Department of Nursing’s RN to BSN Completion Program has been granted initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education at the commission’s recent meeting October 13, 2007. The program received the maximum five year initial accreditation with no compliance concerns. The program began in Fall 2005 and expects to graduate the first students in December of this year. The Associate Degree Nursing Program has been accredited continuously since 1993 by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Western New Mexico University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( CCNE ) is an autonomous accrediting agency focusing on the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs preparing effective nurses. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing education programs and the continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education. The Commission is recognized by the Department of Education.
During a site visit in April, the evaluation team reviewed the RN to BSN program according to four standards of program quality: mission and governance, institutional commitment and resources, curriculum and teaching-learning practices, and student performance and faculty accomplishments. In the exit interview, they reported that the team had found that each of the standards had been met. They noted that the curriculum reflected professional standards and the faculty provide an environment that fosters achievement. They were impressed with the quality of student work.
“The finding that all accreditation standards have been met is a recognition of the quality nursing education provided by the faculty of the RN to BSN Completion program and the department as a whole. It is the culmination of a tremendous effort by Leslie Shurts, Program Coordinator, and faculty members Chris Brickley and Shauna McCosh” Pat McIntire.