The Board of Commissioners of the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) has approved eight years of accreditation status for Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s nursing program following a review of the program in March.
In addition to the accreditation by the NLNAC, the Oklahoma Board of Nursing approved five years of continuing program approval for the program. Five years is the maximum length of program approval that may be granted by the Board of Nursing.
“The actions of the NLNAC further validates the academic standing of our nursing program and supports the changes that have been made to further strengthen the program,” said Dr. Paul Beran, university president. “Each member of the nursing faculty has successfully met the challenges of revamping the program to adapt to changing standards in curriculum and in the professional marketplace.”
Northwestern’s Division of Nursing completed a process of self-study evaluation earlier in the year to apply for continuing national accreditation by NLNAC and continued approval of the baccalaureate degree nursing program with the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. A joint site visit was completed March 4-6, 2003 by program evaluators from both organizations.
Patterns of strength noted by the evaluators included affordability and accessibility through distance learning technology, strong library facilities with state-of-the-art on-line services, articulate and mature students who are committed to the program, strong community commitment and support, and evidenced support of the Northwestern administration for the program, faculty and students.