Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Accredits Walden University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program and Reaccredits Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Walden University's School of Nursing announced today that its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program has received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in its first year of eligibility. The accreditation will be applied retroactively to Walden BSN degrees conferred after April 19, 2010, and is given by CCNE for five years, the maximum term of accreditation for a new program. CCNE also reaccredited Walden's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for another 10 years, the maximum length of time that the commission will extend accreditation status.

CCNE is a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Programs that are CCNE accredited must meet rigorous academic and professional standards with the ultimate goal of preparing effective nurses to make an impact in their field.

"Accreditation of Walden's BSN program, particularly in the first year of eligibility, speaks to the quality and integrity of our curriculum," said Dr. Sara Torres, associate dean of Walden's School of Nursing. "These designations serve to strengthen our current and prospective students' futures in nursing for years to come."

The need for registered nurses (RNs) is projected to continue increasing dramatically through 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Along with this growth in demand, RNs are increasingly expected to enhance their educational preparation in today's evolving healthcare industry. For example, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the American Nurses Association have issued position statements recommending the BSN as the minimal preparation needed to practice. In addition, the earnings gap between those with and without bachelor's degrees is growing, according to the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics.

Walden's BSN Completion Program provides current RNs with the opportunity to earn a BSN degree. Walden's MSN program offers specializations with BSN and RN tracks in Education, Leadership and Management, and Nursing Informatics.

Learn more about Walden's School of Nursing by visiting www.WaldenU.edu/nursing.

About Walden University

For 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 42,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 50 online and campus-based universities in 24 countries.

Walden offers more than 45 degree programs with more than 195 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration, technology and engineering. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

SOURCE Walden University