CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency that contributes to the improvement of the public's health by ensuring the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing. Although accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process, it is important for baccalaureate nursing programs to seek accreditation for its graduates to take state board examinations to be licensed and practice as registered nurses and to pursue graduate nursing education.
The accreditation process is rigorous and includes program demonstration of quality and integrity; established outcomes for students, graduates and faculty; and adherence to the AACN “Essentials of Baccalaureate Nursing Education for Professional Nursing Practice” built on evidence-based practice.
The Concordia nursing program submitted a self-assessment report to CCNE in summer 2015 and hosted an on-site accreditors’ visit in fall 2015. Three external reviewers, who are trained faculty from nursing programs across the U.S., visited campus for three days. The site visit included a review of the self-study report and supporting documentation; classroom observations; and meetings with nursing students and program graduates, nursing department faculty, faculty from other departments on campus, Concordia administrators, and clinical partners. The site visitors’ report was completed and reviewed by the CCNE Board of Commissioners in spring 2016 to determine ongoing accreditation. Accreditation status was announced in May 2016.
“We are pleased to have met all four standards required for accreditation. Although we are confident we have a strong program with a solid reputation, CCNE accreditation provides us with affirmation of our accomplishments,” says Dr. Polly Kloster, chair of the nursing department.
Concordia College has maintained full nursing program accreditation, and approval of its nursing program by the Minnesota and North Dakota Boards of Nursing, since 1986. Midterm reports have been submitted by the department chair every five years with submission of self-study documents and site visits every 10 years. Following the recent review process, CCNE has awarded ongoing accreditation to the Concordia College nursing program through June 30, 2026.