The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Abilene Christian University has been re-accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for the maximum period of 10 years. ACU’s baccalaureate B.S.N. program was first accredited in 2014.
“Earning the maximum re-accreditation is evidence of the high-quality program ACU’s School of Nursing faculty has built,” said provost Dr. Robert Rhodes. “I am so proud and honored to support the excellent work of the nursing faculty, staff and students as they continue to fulfill ACU’s mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.”
Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. The commission ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing.
“This re-accreditation action signals the excellence of our program, faculty and student experience,” said Dr. Marcia Straughn, dean of the School of Nursing. “This outcome also represents the excellent shared work of our entire ACU community.”
The first-time pass rate for ACU nursing graduates taking the NCLEX test for 2019 was 96.08 percent, exceeding both state and national program averages, according to the Texas Board of Nursing. The state average was 91.9 percent and the national average was 88.07 percent.
NCLEX, or the National Council Licensure Examination, is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States and Canada.
ACU has offered nursing degrees since 1979, collaboratively for many years, and as part of the School of Nursing since Fall 2013. In Fall 2019, 354 students had declared pre-nursing or nursing as a major.
Abilene Christian is the highest-ranking university in Texas in a 2020 U.S. News & World Report benchmark focused on student success. ACU achieved Top 20 status in three of eight high-impact categories among 1,500 universities evaluated for “A Focus on Student Success” and is the only Texas institution to be ranked in five of the categories.