CUAA’s healthcare programs are committed to meeting high standards of quality and safety through accreditation, with the Nursing program fully accredited and the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant programs progressing toward full accreditation.
Concordia University Ann Arbor has long been committed to delivering quality education across its academic programs. In particular, its healthcare programs prepare students to meet the rigorous demands of the healthcare industry. Accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring that these programs meet nationally recognized standards of quality, high academic standards, and overall program effectiveness. Here’s a look at the current accreditation landscape for CUAA’s healthcare education programs.
Nursing Program: Fully Accredited and Trusted
CUAA’s Ronald and Marvel Jones School of Nursing, which began offering classes in the fall of 2016, stands as the university’s flagship healthcare program. In 2023, the BSN program received full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring that nursing students are provided with a high-quality education aligned with best practices in patient care and safety. This distinction allows CUAA’s nursing graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a critical step toward becoming fully qualified nurses. As of July 2024, CUAA’s 2024 BSN graduates achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX exam. Final scores for the year’s cohort will be released in January.
For CUAA’s nursing students, accreditation provides a stamp of approval that their education will meet the professional standards necessary to deliver top-notch care in today’s healthcare settings. Accreditation also enables the program to qualify for federal funding and other essential resources, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers.
Occupational Therapy Program: Nearing Accreditation
In 2020, CUAA announced the expansion of its School of Health Professions with the launch of a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) program. After securing candidacy status with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), the program began accepting students in 2022. The OTD program is now in its final stages of review and is on track to achieve full accreditation, with the decision expected by the end of December 2024. Once accredited, graduates will meet the rigorous standards required to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, a crucial step toward becoming occupational therapists.
Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Programs: Candidates for Accreditation
Along with the launch of the OT program in 2020, CUAA also initiated the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program. The DPT program admitted its first cohort in 2023, while the Physician Assistant program welcomed its inaugural cohort in Spring 2021. The DPT program currently is in candidacy status for accreditation, while the PA program currently holds provisional accreditation status. Both programs are on track to meet all standards required for full accreditation. This provisional status allows the programs to enroll students and follow the plan already submitted to meet requirements.
For students, provisional accreditation means that the programs are progressing toward full compliance with accrediting bodies, and are already on the path to becoming fully recognized. Both programs must continue to demonstrate excellence in their operations to move from provisional to full accreditation status.
The Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation is more than just a formal recognition; it is a critical component of ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-trained, competent, and capable of meeting the challenges of their fields. Accredited programs guarantee that students are being educated in line with industry standards, making them eligible for licensure, certification, employment.
CUAA’s commitment to accreditation across its healthcare programs highlights the university’s dedication to offering top-tier educational experiences that meet the highest industry standards.
Looking Ahead
While only CUAA’s nursing program is fully accredited at this time, the progress being made toward full accreditation for the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant programs is a positive sign. With each step closer to accreditation, CUAA continues to enhance its reputation as a trusted institution for healthcare education.
For students seeking a career in healthcare, these programs provide the essential foundation needed to succeed in a complex and evolving industry.
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