CASTLETON – Vermont State University announced that its nursing programs have achieved significant accreditation milestones.
The National League of Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredits VTSU’s nursing programs in the ‘laddered’ stackable credential model. These certificates and degrees enable students to progress seamlessly in their education or, alternatively, enter the workforce, certification in hand, at any milestone in the program.
The rigorous accreditation process consists of self-study, on-site evaluations by academic and clinical experts, and evaluation by the NLN CNEA Board of Commissioners. The following programs have achieved this designation through October 2035: Practical Nursing Certificate Program; Associate of Science in Nursing Program; and RN–BSN Online Degree Completion Program.
NLN CNEA also awarded pre-accreditation status through February 2029 to the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Castleton campus and the online Master of Science in Nursing program. While these two programs were previously accredited under another accreditor, this pre-accreditation is both the first formal step in the NLN CNEA accreditation process and reflects the University’s efforts, post-unification, to align all of the nursing programs under a single set of accreditation standards.
“I sincerely appreciate the dedicated efforts of our faculty, staff, and administrators as we’ve achieved this milestone together,” said Dr. Caitlin Stover, Dean of the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. “The commitment of our faculty and staff to strong student outcomes and the continuous improvement of our programs is commendable. Additionally, it ensures that our programs remain responsive to the needs of students, the profession, and the communities we serve. And, most importantly, this accomplishment strengthens our ability to prepare the next generation of nurses. Our graduates make meaningful contributions to healthcare systems across the region and beyond, and will continue to do so under this unified accreditation as we grow and expand our offerings in this highly demanded program.”
VTSU President David Bergh added, “Vermont State University is known for its high-quality nursing programs, especially as they are accessible in communities across the state, online, and to students of any age. It’s no surprise that the students who graduate from these programs have a nearly 100% job placement rate and have collectively achieved strong licensure exam pass rates for many years now. Our graduates are the backbone of Vermont’s health care system and are doing that essential work in every community across the state. This accreditation achievement is a recognition of the quality of the education our programs offer, as well as the support provided from our dedicated faculty and staff. As the university expands its nursing program in the coming years and offers education opportunities to even more students across Vermont, our graduates will continue to make the critical and lasting impact they are known for.”
To learn more about Vermont State University’s nursing programs, visit: https://vermontstate.edu/nursing-programs/.