Indiana University of Pennsylvania's master's and bachelor's degree programs in the Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions have been approved for unconditional ten-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
“This positive news again confirms the exceptional academic strengths and rigor of our baccalaureate and master's degree programs in nursing,” Dr. Tony Atwater, IUP president, said. “This outcome also attests to the high quality and dedication of the nursing faculty and their commitment to producing highly skilled and capable nursing professionals.”
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is officially recognized by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education as a national accreditation agency.
“The department is thrilled to receive such a positive accreditation review from CCNE,” Dr. Elizabeth Palmer, Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions chairperson, said. “This accreditation recognizes the quality and integrity of our programs and highlights the effectiveness of our educational practices.”
Earlier this year, IUP was recognized for its passing rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). IUP has an overall annual passing average of 94 percent, compared to the national average of 87 percent for first-time test takers during the testing period from October 1, 2007, to September 30, 2008.
The Department of Nursing and Allied Health Professions at IUP includes both undergraduate and master's programs. The Allied Health Professions programs include respiratory care, clinical laboratory service, nuclear medicine technology, and a gerontology certification program.
There are two different tracks in the master's programs in Nursing and seven bachelor's degrees in Nursing and Allied Health (including all tracks).
IUP Nursing and Allied Health has approximately 850 students in the undergraduate program and some sixty-five students in its graduate program.
In January 2008, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education approved IUP's doctoral program in nursing. The first cohort of this program began study during the Fall 2008 semester, with plans to admit a second cohort in Fall 2010.