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Western Governors University Nursing Education Programs Receive CCNE Accreditation

Posted on: Monday, 11 May 2009, 12:35 CDT

WGU's Competency-Based Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programs Accredited Through 2014

SALT LAKE CITY, May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Western Governors University's Nursing Education Programs (www.wgu.edu), including the new B.S. in Nursing (Prelicensure) have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The initial accreditation, which has a five-year term, was awarded following a rigorous process that included a site visit as well as a review of WGU's nursing curriculum.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081030/DC42901LOGO)

An autonomous arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, CCNE is the foremost accrediting body for nursing schools that offer baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, it is the only accrediting body devoted exclusively to the evaluation of baccalaureate and graduate nursing degree programs. Accreditation is a nongovernmental peer review process that evaluates each program's mission, goals, and expected outcomes and assesses the performance of the program in achieving the mission and goals.

"Providing educational opportunities and degree programs to meet the needs of underserved populations and employers with critical workforce needs is part of WGU's mission, and earning CCNE accreditation allows us to address the growing shortage of nurses and nurse educators in the U.S," said WGU President Robert Mendenhall. "Accreditation demonstrates that our approach, which combines technology and competency-based learning with comprehensive clinical experience, will produce graduates who are well prepared to fulfill their roles in patient care, nurse education, and leadership."

About WGU's Nursing Education Programs

WGU offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in nursing designed to meet the needs of the healthcare industry today. Developed in collaboration with employers and industry experts, the programs combine online learning, advanced simulation training, and in-hospital clinical experience to provide nursing education that is high quality, affordable, and accessible to working adults. WGU's degree programs include:

• B.S. Nursing (RN to BSN online)
• B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure)
• M.S. Nursing--Education (for RNs with BSNs)
• M.S. Nursing--Leadership and Management (for RNs with BSNs)
• M.S. Nursing--Education (RN to MSN Option)
• M.S. Nursing--Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option)

For more information on WGU's nursing programs, go to www.wgu.edu/CCNE or call 1-866-225-5948 (866-CALL-WGU).

About Western Governors University (WGU)

"[WGU is] the best relatively cheap university you've never heard of."

-- TIME magazine (Nov. 2008)

WGU is the only accredited online university in the U.S. offering competency-based degree programs. The private non-profit university has been a leader in online education for more than 10 years. WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of WGU's success in expanding access to higher education. WGU has been honored as one of the 2008 Top 20 Military Friendly Colleges and Universities by Military Advanced Education magazine. WGU sponsors the Online Student Survival Guide, a blog that addresses many of the questions and daily concerns online students from any online college or university face.

Now serving more than 13,000 students, WGU was founded by 19 U.S. governors, and is supported by more than 20 leading corporations and foundations. They include institutions such as AT&T, BearingPoint, Dell, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, HCA, Microsoft, Oracle, Qwest, SunGard Higher Education, Sun Microsystems, and Zions Bank. WGU offers bachelor's and master's degrees in business, information technology, teacher education, and health professions, with students in all 50 states. More information is available at www.wgu.edu.

About CCNE

Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency contributing to the improvement of the public's health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs preparing effective nurses.

CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing education programs and the continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education.

Contact for enrollment information:

866-225-5948

Contact for media inquiries: Joan Mitchell -- Director of PR 801-428-5463 jmitchell@wgu.edu

SOURCE Western Governors University

Source: PR Newswire

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