MSUM RN-BSN Program Receives Reaccreditation
Minnesota State University Moorhead’s School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership has earned reaccreditation for its baccalaureate degree (RN-BSN) for the maximum possible 10 years from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The RN-BSN program is for the career advancement of RNs who have an associate’s degree in nursing.
CCNE is an autonomous, nongovernmental accrediting agency devoted to the public’s health by ensuring the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. During the accreditation visit, CCNE focused on four standards of program quality and effectiveness: mission and governance, resources, curriculum, and program outcomes. CCNE found that the RN-BSN program met all four standards with no compliance concerns with respect to the key elements, according to the official notification.
“CCNE’s accreditation is validation of the RN-BSN program’s ongoing quality of education and commitment to student success,” says Rebecca Rudel, PhD RN, CNE, lead coordinator of the RN-BSN program’s CCNE review process. “This evaluation confirms there is oversight over the nursing program, which demonstrates to our students, alumni, and community partners that the program has accountability and integrity.”
MSUM’s RN-BSN program has been serving the region by providing associate and diploma degree RNs the opportunity for baccalaureate degrees since 1976. The RN-BSN program enrolls approximately 250 part-time students studying in a totally online, flexible program. The RN-BSN program enjoys a 100 percent placement rate among graduates seeking employment.
MSUM also offers an undergraduate degree in health services administration and master’s degrees for nursing (nurse educator and nurse administration tracks) and healthcare administration.
“We are honored to be recognized for our nursing programs. This rigorous accreditation process shows we offer a high-quality RN-BSN program that provides great opportunities for our students,” says Barbara Matthees, PhD, RN, CNE, Chair of the School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership. “The positive feedback we received from CCNE will help us continue to grow the nursing programs and set goals for the future.”
About the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. As a self-regulatory process, CCNE Standards are designed to encourage innovation and experimentation in nursing education. CCNE evaluates mission, goals and expected outcomes of nursing programs and evaluates the curriculum and its reflection of professional nursing standards and the needs of the community. Additionally, CCNE representatives analyze the parent institution’s support of the program, including involvement of the faculty and students and the resources available for program participants. The RN-BSN program’s effectiveness was also measured by overall quality markers, program completion rates, and employment rates upon graduation.
Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of nursing programs at the baccalaureate level and higher. MSUM’s RN-BSN program accreditation is effective through June 30, 2026.