UDC Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Receives Full Accreditation

UDC BSN graduates class of 2015

The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences of the University of the District of Columbia is pleased to announce the continuing accreditation of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (RN to BSN) by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The RN to BS in Nursing program was visited by the ACEN team in spring 2015 for program review in determination for the continuing accreditation for the baccalaureate program. Final accreditation reaffirmation was announced in July 2015, for another eight years.

“The reaffirmation of our accreditation has been a tremendous recognition of our hard work; from the faculty and students, to the University’s commitment to the success of the RN to BS nursing program,” stated Dr. Pier Broadnax, BSN program director. “The general public demonstrated their support, sharing stories of the role we’ve had in improving the health of residents," she continued.     

Dr. Pier Broadnax

The ACEN is the entity that is responsible for the accreditation of nursing education programs inclusive of Practical Nursing, Diploma, Baccalaureate, Masters, Post Masters and Doctorate in Nursing Practice degrees. As its mission, the ACEN supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice and the public by the functions of accreditation; a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. 

Accreditation also assists in the further improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed and results achieved.  The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing regulations, and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession.

The University of the District of Columbia is the only urban landgrant public institution of higher education in the nation. The BSN program is housed within CAUSES, which offers research-based academic and community outreach programs that improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for people and communities in the District of Columbia, the nation and the world. The program mission of the BSN program is to produce well-educated, autonomous, competent, and resourceful graduates to practice nursing in the multiethnic, global and technological society of the 21st century.

“This re-accreditation is the catalyst we need to move us to even greater professional nursing achievements,” said Dr. Broadnax.

The UDC BSN program will remain fully accredited until 2023, when the program is scheduled for its next review.