(May 2, 2011 – Littleton, Colorado) - Arapahoe Community College (ACC) is pleased to announce that its Associate Degree in Nursing program recently gained initial accreditation from the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC). The initial accreditation follows a successful candidacy application, an accreditation site visit last fall, an evaluation review panel decision, and final commission approval.

The nursing faculty and staff prepared a rigorous candidacy application and self-study report demonstrating the program’s adherence to the national standards. In October, the commission conducted an on-site assessment of the program, demonstrating full compliance with national standards. 

“Faculty and staff have worked very hard for five years to achieve initial national accreditation from NLNAC,” said Susan Scheuring, director of ACC’s Nursing Program. “We are delighted to be compliant on all six standards and criteria. The benefits will be seen by students seeking employment and further education, by the school applying for grants and by the community and the program for forging articulations and partnerships.”

The NLNAC Commission awarded ACC’s Nursing Program initial accreditation through 2015.

ACC’s Associate Nursing Degree program is approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing and the Colorado Community College System. Students enrolled in the program develop skills to work in hospitals and clinical settings in the areas of obstetric and pediatric, medical/surgical and psychiatric nursing. ACC's nursing program consistently maintains high pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination and works closely with an advisory committee that provides feedback on nursing/health care industry graduate standards, requirements and desired new graduate outcomes.

This Wednesday, the Nursing Program will host a celebration ceremony from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the College Half Moon to celebrate the accreditation, as well as recognize the anniversary of the 40th nursing graduating class and National Nurses Week May 6 -12.

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