Pima Medical Institute is excited to announce its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) online program has received its first five-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) – the maximum accreditation term available to nursing programs that apply for accreditation.
“In the nursing world programmatic accreditation is really big. It shows we have a solid program,” said Program Director Catherine Garner, DrPH, MSN, RN. “It’s a big achievement and the mark of a quality program.”
The evaluation process took several months to complete. CCNE reviewed the program’s curriculum, faculty, structure and outcomes to certify they all meet accreditation requirements.
“We had to ensure our curriculum was up-to-date, well designed and good at preparing nurses for an expanded role as a bachelor-educated nurse,” Garner said. “We also had to ensure we have qualified faculty who are either doctorate or master prepared and with experience. Our structure must be set up for student success. CCNE was very impressed with our student and career services.”
The first Pima Medical Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort (RN to BSN) will graduate in December with 18 students. The bachelor degree program is designed to prepare working registered nurses to take their careers to the next level, which usually involves a leadership role. It can also prepare them for a master’s degree program.
Students focus on the theories, concepts and principles critical to the development of nursing leadership and management. They also study clinical, fiscal, legal and political trends confronting healthcare and the nursing profession. Graduates complete the program having a deeper and extensive understanding of community and global healthcare needs and are better prepared to care for patients of all backgrounds.
The curriculum includes Spanish for the Medical Professional, Healthcare Law and Compliance, Community Oriented Nursing Practice and Global Health Issues, Transcultural Nursing Practice and Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Management.
