University of Phoenix College of Nursing Re-Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing (CCNE)

PHOENIX, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix College of Nursing announced today that the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the autonomous accrediting agency for nursing education, has re-accredited University of Phoenix College of Nursing for ten years.  This is the longest period of time for which the CCNE grants accreditation for nursing programs reflecting CCNE's satisfaction and confidence that the University's College of Nursing is meeting and will continue to meet its rigorous standards for nursing education.

CCNE, officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, is a national accreditation agency.  Its accreditation ensures the quality and integrity of bachelor and graduate level nursing programs and serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices.

Dean of the College of Nursing, Pam Fuller, Ed.D., RN said, "I am thrilled to have received confirmation of the CCNE re-accreditation. It is especially gratifying to note that in re-accrediting the College, it indicates we meet all CCNE standards.  CCNE accreditation is an important national evaluation of program quality that students, alumni and the public-at-large can rely upon for assurance that a University of Phoenix College of Nursing degree is viewed with credibility and respect.  

"Quite simply," Fuller continued, "our goal is to develop nurse leaders who are excellent communicators and critical thinkers – who use evidence-based practice to influence the future of nursing and delivery of care – in any health care role they pursue. We are also working to help address the nation's nursing shortage."

William Pepicello, Ph.D., president of University of Phoenix, said, "I am delighted to have received word that CCNE has re-accredited University of Phoenix College of Nursing. Dean Fuller, her staff and faculty at the College of Nursing, as well as all of the members of the University of Phoenix family, are dedicated to providing students with a high quality education.  This consists of up-to-the minute knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills that are so critical to continuous professional, personal and community success in today's demanding real-world situations and environments."

Pepicello added, "Re-accreditation by CCNE, signifies that our College of Nursing meets the rigorous standards for quality and integrity in baccalaureate and graduate degree nursing programs as established by this preeminent accrediting body in the nursing field. We are extremely pleased to have this third-party validation of the quality of our nursing programs and will continue to update our curriculum and recruit top-notch faculty to maintain both the CCNE's and the public's confidence in our degree programs."

For more information about University of Phoenix College of Nursing, visit http://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/nursing.html

About University of Phoenix College of Nursing

University of Phoenix College of Nursing graduates more post-licensure nurses annually than any other nursing program in the United States. With more than 40,000 College of Nursing alumni working in virtually every sector of the health care industry, they hold positions spanning from bedside nurses to nursing supervisors, and from directors of nursing to senior nursing executives within nationally renowned health care organizations. The College is dedicated to preparing nurses to become leaders and advocates in the rapidly evolving health care industry. Its innovative and continuously updated programs blend theory and practice, teach critical thinking and decision making and provide students with knowledge and skills they can implement immediately in their workplaces. Faculty members average 15 years of experience in the nursing profession and must have a master's degree.  Class sizes are small to ensure personal attention. University of Phoenix College of Nursing is proud to have the largest U.S. chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau honor society. For more information, visit  http://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/nursing.html.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. During the quarter ended August 31, 2010, 470,800 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. As the flagship university of  Apollo Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), http://www.apollogrp.edu/  University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit http://www.phoenix.edu/

About Commission on Collegiate Nursing

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, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. As a voluntary, selfregulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing selfassessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and post-baccalaureate nurse residency programs. It is based at One DuPont Circle, Washington, D.C. 20036. For more information, visit http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ContactUs/about.htm

SOURCE University of Phoenix; Apollo Group, Inc.