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Nursing department awarded national accreditation
February 19, 2004
CARROLLTON, GA - The Department of Nursing at the University of West Georgia has been awarded national accreditation without recommendations by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.
“The rigorous review, as well as the requirement for program quality and coherence, makes our receipt of accreditation a most significant accomplishment,” stated Dr. Thomas Hynes, vice president for academic affairs. “Our students and faculty deserve great credit for assuming responsibility for the high levels of academic achievement and nursing care knowledge required for accreditation.”
The Department’s evaluation began two years before the on-site visit in March 2003 and reflects analysis of the BSN and MSN programs during the 2001-2002 academic year and the fall semester of 2002. A self-study was prepared that examined the mission and governance, curriculum, faculty qualifications and accomplishments, and student performance for each program.
The
purpose of the study was to provide evidence that the BSN and MSN programs
met standards of excellence in nursing education as defined by the Commission
on Collegiate
Nursing Education (CCNE).
“Accreditation from CCNE recognizes the excellence of UWG students and faculty and our undergraduate and graduate nursing programs based on caring,” according to Nursing Department Chair, Dr. Kathryn Grams.
The nursing program at West Georgia started in 1974, offering an Associate of Science in Nursing and was accredited by the National League for Nursing, receiving continuing accreditation until 1999. The BSN program at West Georgia was offered in 1987 for registered nurses only and was accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission with continuing accreditation until December 31, 2003.
The department later opened a generic BSN program in 1995 and began offering a MSN in 2002. As a result of the continual growth of the nursing program, the faculty sought accreditation from the CCNE.
Dr. Carol Wilson, professor of nursing and coordinator of the undergraduate program, noted that the faculty and staff worked extremely hard throughout the accreditation process. She expressed appreciation for the support given to the Department of Nursing from the University’s administration.
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