Concordia University Ann Arbor’s School of Nursing has received word from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) that the university’s Substantive Change Notification for the traditional nursing program accreditation has been approved.
The CUAA School of Nursing accreditation is effective through Dec. 31, 2024.
“The accreditation adds credence to a new program that has already accomplished so much; we are blessed,” said CUAA’s Dean of Nursing Cindy Fenkse, DPN, RN, CNE.
The traditional undergraduate nursing program at Concordia University Wisconsin is accredited under the CCNE. As one university with two separate campuses, Concordia is able to offer nursing classes in Ann Arbor under the same accreditation but needed to seek permission by submitting a Substantive Change Notification 90 days before or after the change would go into effect.
After receiving initial approval from the Michigan State Board of Nursing to run a nursing program in fall 2015, CUAA launched its first School of Nursing classes in fall 2016.
Since its inception, the program has moved into a renovated, state-of-the-art facility; welcomed two student cohorts; and made significant strides in nursing simulation and interprofessional education (IPE) practices and networks.
With a program differentiating emphasis on simulation, Concordia nursing students are in simulation labs for at least 90 minutes every week for the entire six semesters of their nursing curriculum. Simulations are based on the didactic material covered in the classroom that week, including both nursing-focused simulations and IPE simulations that integrate students from other majors and professional fields on campus.
In addition to the five, high-acuity simulation hospital rooms, the School of Nursing features a simulation apartment, assessment lab with eight exam rooms, a 10-bed skills lab, and pod-style learning stations to facilitate student collaboration.
“The CCNE accreditation provides students with an additional level of confidence that they are receiving an excellent education at Concordia,” said Fenske.
To learn more about Concordia University Ann Arbor’s School of Nursing, click here or set up a visit at www.cuaa.edu/visit.
— Rachel Thoms served on Concordia University's Strategic Communications team from 2015-2022. Any inquiries about this story can be sent to news@cuaa.edu.
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