WGU Named Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing

SEATTLE, July 31, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National League for Nursing (NLN) has named the nursing programs offered by Western Governors University (WGU) – and its Seattle-based affiliate, WGU Washington – as a 2015 Center of Excellence™. The online, nonprofit university, which is being recognized in the Creating Environments that Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development category, is one of only 12 schools of nursing selected for this designation.

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the NLN is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. This prestigious award will be presented to WGU on October 2 during the NLN 2015 Education Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The leader in competency-based nursing education and a top producer of nurses among people of color, WGU is receiving this designation for serving as a prime example of excellence, integrity, diversity, and caring. The NLN selects programs based on their ability to demonstrate concrete, measurable terms, sustained excellence in faculty development, nursing education research, or student learning and professional development. WGU's College of Health Professions, which offers bachelor's and master's degree programs for registered nurses, has awarded more than 12,000 degrees in nursing since its founding in 2008, and has more than 13,500 students currently enrolled – including almost 2,000 in Washington.

"We're truly honored to be recognized by the NLN in this way. The nursing programs offered by WGU's College of Health Professions are designed to help nurses advance their careers with the accredited degrees they need, helping fulfill the critical need for educated nurses throughout the country," said Dr. Jan Jones-Schenk, National Director of the College of Health Professions at WGU.

Competency-based education is ideal for working nurses, allowing them to study and learn on their own schedule and at their own pace, advancing as soon as they demonstrate that they have mastered course material. Students receive personalized one-on-one faculty support and have 24/7 access to course materials. Unlike many online universities, WGU's tuition is affordable—about $6,500 per 12-month year. Terms at WGU are six months long, and students pay a flat rate, regardless of the number of courses they take. Many students are able to accelerate and complete their degrees faster, saving both time and money.

For more information about WGU Washington's nursing programs, go to washington.wgu.edu/online_health_professions_degrees.

About WGU Washington

WGU Washington was established by the State Legislature in 2011 in partnership with nationally recognized and accredited Western Governors University to expand access to higher education for Washington residents.

The state-endorsed, online university offers more than 50 bachelor's and master's degree programs in Business, Information Technology, Teacher Education and Health Professions, including Nursing. WGU Washington's competency-based learning model is designed to meet the needs of working adults by providing an affordable, flexible option for earning an accredited, respected college degree. It's non-profit and receives no money from the state.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*).

The university has earned the support of more than 20 leading corporations and foundations. They include institutions such as AT&T, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Lilly Endowment, HCA, Hewlett-Packard, Lumina Foundation, Microsoft, Oracle, SunGard Higher Education and Zions Bank.

* One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791

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SOURCE WGU Washington