The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has accredited Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Nursing for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program through December 2018.
The accreditation is effective as of April 3, 2013, which was the first day of the program’s CCNE on-site evaluation. CCNE is the leading accrediting agency for baccalaureate and graduate degree programs in the U.S.
“The site visit was successfully completed with no compliance concerns and official notice of the maximum five-year accreditation was awarded,” said Dr. Anne Perry, interim dean of the SIUE School of Nursing.” We are so proud of our faculty, staff and students and this is a reflection of their outstanding commitment and service.”
In a move to address the future needs of the nursing profession, the School began offering the online post-master’s DNP degree program in August 2011. The degree, a five-semester curriculum, was designed to address the essentials for doctoral education developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Currently, SIUE is one of five accredited DNP programs in the state of Illinois.
Building on their specialty practice, DNP graduates design new models of care, use evidence to improve practice and evaluate outcomes along with identifying and managing the health care needs of individuals, communities and populations. They also use technology and information systems to improve health outcomes. As a terminal professional degree, it prepares graduates to practice at the highest level in their specialty area.
In May 2013, the first 10 DNP students completed the program. “Our first DNP cohort graduated with enhanced leadership and policy analysis skills and improved abilities to translate existing knowledge, including the project management skills to improve health care outcomes,” said Dr. Kathy Ketchum, assistant dean for graduate programs. “Our DNP program excels in preparing nursing leaders for the 21st century.”
Photo: SIUE School of Nursing Interim Dean Dr. Anne Perry.