Innovative nursing programs earn national accreditation

Commission recognizes high academic standards for Nursing 1-2-1 and RN to BSN programs

Mount Mary’s nursing programs have earned five-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), validating the quality of education, curriculum and instructors’ teaching methods.

Mount Mary has two programs for nursing, a RN to BSN completion program and the Nursing 1-2-1 program, a unique four-year partnership that has garnered significant national attention. Students enrolled in the Nursing 1-2-1 program complete classes to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), licensure as a Registered Nurse, and seamlessly move to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN), all within four years.*

The CCNE notified Mount Mary of the accreditation on June 3; the programs met all four accreditation standards with no concerns.

This national accreditation translates into significant benefits to both the institution and students, according to Kara Groom Ph.D., RN, chief nurse administrator and department chair at Mount Mary University. These benefits include assurance of a quality educational program and greater access to financial aid, including federal aid programs. In addition, nurses pursuing graduate study need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school in order to apply to a master’s degree program.

"The CCNE accreditation reflects the strength of the program and the dedication of the nursing faculty and staff at Mount Mary and our partner institutions," said Groom. "With an emphasis on social justice and firsthand leadership experience, Mount Mary's nursing program prepares graduates to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in diverse health care settings."

Here are some details about Mount Mary’s nursing programs:

  • The Nursing 1-2-1 program is offered through the combined expertise and resources of Mount Mary University and three regional technical colleges. These colleges are Milwaukee Area Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College, and Waukesha County Technical College.
  • The Nursing 1-2-1 program has been featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Inside Higher Ed, and on WUWM’s Lake Effect.
  • Mount Mary's RN to BSN completion program is offered in an online, accelerated format and is constructed for working registered nurses looking to meet the demands of the changing health care environment.

The statewide demand for registered nurses is expected to grow by 8 percent through 2026 according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The national demand for registered nurses is expected to grow 15 percent between 2016 and 2026, adding more than 400,000 new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To learn more about Mount Mary’s nursing programs, visit mtmary.edu/nursing121 and mtmary.edu/rntobsn.

 

*The Mount Mary University CCNE accredited RN to BSN Program is a component of the Nursing 1-2-1 Program. The ADN component of the Nursing 1-2-1 Program is accredited separately through partner institutions.