Accreditation From the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Awarded to Chamberlain College of Nursing

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Chamberlain College of Nursing announced today that its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program has been awarded accreditation status from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Chamberlain established its MSN degree program in May of 2009 in response to the growing demand for nursing professionals qualified to assume advanced roles in nursing education or nursing administration. The program offers advanced education options for practicing nurses who are interested in becoming managers, educators and executives to help meet the needs of patients and providers in a rapidly changing and complex healthcare environment. The first graduating class was celebrated in October 2010, with graduates prepared to assume leadership roles as well as inspire the future generation of nurses.

The MSN program at Chamberlain is a professional degree designed to prepare nurses for expanding roles in healthcare and enhance opportunities for professional development and advancement. In addition to the completion of the core nursing courses, MSN students may select one of two specialty tracks: MSN Education Specialty Track or MSN Executive Specialty Track. The education track prepares students to teach in an academic or clinical practice setting, while the executive track prepares students with the foundational skills essential for nursing leadership positions.

"We are honored that CCNE has recognized the quality of our MSN nursing education program by granting accreditation," said Dr. Gail Baumlein, director and dean of MSN degree programs at Chamberlain College of Nursing. "Chamberlain remains committed to providing excellence in nursing education, and will continue to place emphasis on maintaining high academic standards and delivering rich, structured curricula that allow nurses to invest in themselves and advance both their education and careers."

CCNE is a national, autonomous accrediting agency that ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing. CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. CCNE conducted an on-site evaluation of Chamberlain's MSN program at its October 14-16, 2010 meeting. The CCNE Board of Commissioners granted accreditation of the program for the term of five years effective February 8, 2010.

The CCNE accreditation evaluation consists of a review of the program's mission, goals, and expected outcomes and an assessment of the performance of the program in achieving the mission and goals through the most effective utilization of available resources, programs, and administration. The evaluation process also calls for a review of evidence concerning the application of these resources in assisting the students to attain their educational goals.

To learn more about Chamberlain College of Nursing, visit www.chamberlain.edu.

About Chamberlain College of Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in nursing. Campuses are currently located in Phoenix, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; Addison and Chicago, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; Columbus, Ohio and Arlington, Virginia.

Chamberlain College of Nursing is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC), www.ncahlc.org, one of the six regional agencies that accredit U.S. colleges and universities at the institutional level. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at the Addison, Columbus, Jacksonville, Phoenix, and St. Louis campuses is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-6791). The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at the St. Louis and Columbus campuses and the Associate Degree in Nursing program at the Columbus campus are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404-975-5000). The Arlington and Chicago campuses are pursuing programmatic accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. Accreditation provides assurance to the public and to prospective students that standards of quality have been met. Program availability varies by location. For more information about Chamberlain College of Nursing please visit www.chamberlain.edu or call 888-556-8CCN (8226).

Chamberlain College of Nursing, LLC is a part of DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV), a global provider of educational services.

About the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health. A specialized/professional accrediting agency, CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate degree nursing programs. Specifically, CCNE accredits baccalaureate degree nursing programs, master's degree nursing programs, and clinical nursing doctorates that are practice-focused and have the title Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). CCNE also accredits post-baccalaureate nurse residency programs (using a separate set of accreditation standards).

SOURCE Chamberlain College of Nursing