Washington State Community College’s nursing programs earn accreditation

Washington State Community College has received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for both of its nursing programs, Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN). The college has offered the ADN program for years and it has consistently proven successful through NCLEX-RN pass rates and graduate employment. The RN-to-BSN program is much newer, having been established in 2022, when Washington State Community College became one of the first in Ohio to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program in a community college setting.

According to an article on Washington State Community College’s website, President Dr. Sarah Parker was quoted as saying of the achievement, “Earning ACEN accreditation for both our ADN and RN-to-BSN programs is an incredible accomplishment for Washington State and, most importantly, for our students. Our nursing graduates have consistently demonstrated the quality of the education they receive through their success in the classroom, on licensure examinations and in the workforce. This accreditation builds upon that success and creates even more opportunities for our students to advance their education and careers.”

The ADN program has, for the last seven years, reported NCLEX-RN pass rates that exceed both the Ohio and national averages. In addition to high pass rates, the program has produced a high number of graduates that are employed in the field following graduation.

The RN-to-BSN program was designed for individuals who are already working as registered nurses to complete more education and move up in their careers. The program welcomed its first cohort in 2023 and its first 12 graduating students achieved a 100% job placement rate. 

In addition to its ADN and RN-to-BSN program, the college also offers a Practical Nurse program, which provides students with an even earlier entry point into nursing education. 

Tricia Schaad, the college’s Director of Nursing, said, “Our students’ success has always been one of the strongest measures of the quality of our nursing programs. Our graduates consistently perform above state and national averages on their licensure examinations and go on to build careers throughout our region. ACEN accreditation adds another nationally recognized distinction to that record of excellence. Our nursing programs create a pathway that can grow alongside our students. Students can begin building their careers, gain experience and return to Washington State when they are ready for their next step. That creates opportunities for our students while also helping our region develop and retain the highly skilled nurses our healthcare organizations and communities need.”

For more information about Washington State Community College, visit the school’s website.