Monroe County Community College’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program has been granted continuing accreditation for another eight years from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Board of Commissioners following a recent site visit.
According to Dr. Kim Lindquist, dean of the Health Sciences Division and director of the nursing programs at MCCC, “As the program administrator I am thrilled to share that the associate of applied science nursing program, representing the RN and PN to RN options, has been granted continuing accreditation without any areas needing development”
“This recommendation speaks to the commitment of the nursing faculty and staff who put forward a curriculum that meets the highest of standards and who continue to work collaboratively to provide high quality instruction to nursing students at MCCC, benefiting not only our students, but the entire Monroe community and beyond,” added Lindquist.
In addition, MCCC's Practical Nursing Program was recently notified that it has been accepted as a candidate for initial accreditation by the ACEN. Much like the process for the RN/AAS-Nursing Program accreditation process, the PN program will be required to complete a comprehensive self-study, have a site visit from a team from ACEN, a Peer Evaluation Review Panel will examine the self-study and site visit. Finally, the ACEN Board of Commissioners will then decide on the status of the program. Annual monitoring is also a required part of the process and includes a thorough review by ACEN of enrollment and graduation information, faculty member credentials, job placement and licensure and certification exam pass rates and any complaints against the program or substantive changes in the program from year to year. "The accreditation process that we have begun for the PN program is the same that was followed for the AAS-Nursing/RN program," said Lindquist. "The process is very rigorous and speaks to the high quality of our program and training the students receive."
MCCC’s registered nursing program was ranked No. 1 in Michigan for 2020 by NursingProcess.org and continues to be one of the most highly regarded programs in the region, based on NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates, affordability and academic quality. The associate of applied science degree with specialization in nursing (RN) program prepares graduates to function as beginning registered nurse clinicians and members of a health care team in the care of acutely and chronically ill individuals. Registered nurses are qualified for employment in structured practice settings, including acute care hospitals, extended care facilities, nursing homes, clinics, and physicians’ offices. With experience, nurses may also participate in providing skilled care in more specialized areas, including psychiatric units, emergency departments, pediatric and obstetric units, critical care units, and home health settings and is a flexible and mobile career choice. The program has articulation with several four-year university partners including Eastern Michigan University, the University of Michigan - Flint and the University of Toledo.
MCCC's practical nursing certificate prepares students to function as beginning licensed practical nurses and members of the health team under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician or dentist in the care of stable individuals with acute and chronic illnesses. Licensed practical nurses provide basic bedside nursing care and are qualified for employment in structured practice settings, including acute care hospitals, extended care facilities, community settings, nursing homes, clinics and physicians’ offices. Upon program completion, students will be prepared and eligible to apply for licensure in the State of Michigan. Students must meet the Michigan Board of Nursing eligibility requirements and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN) in order to become a licensed practical nurse. Currently, the greatest employment opportunities for practical nurses are in extended care and community settings. With experience, practical nurses may also function in providing nursing care in specialized areas, including, but not limited to, home health and hospice settings and in charge-nurse and management positions in extended care facilities and nursing homes. Practical nursing is an excellent entry-level career choice, and graduates may qualify to complete advanced degrees in nursing with more education.