Top horizontal cropped banner photo of three diverse UNT Health College of Nursing students in teal scrubs with stethoscopes walk through a hospital corridor, engage in discussion with the middle one holding and looking at their tablet.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits UNT Health College of Nursing BSN and MSN programs

's College of Nursing has earned full accreditation from the through June 30, 2031, for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing programs.

The CCNE Board of Commissioners granted accreditation during a recent meeting following a successful on-site evaluation that began Oct. 8.

鈥淭his achievement reflects the collective dedication, passion and excellence of our faculty, staff, students and clinical partners,鈥 said Cindy Weston, DNP, founding dean of the College of Nursing. 鈥淚t is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing the highest standards in nursing education and an affirmation of the college鈥檚 mission to lead, inspire and impact our community.鈥

A photo of an UNT Health College of Nursing instructor in gloves demonstrates a procedure on a patient simulation exercise while two nursing students in teal scrubs observe in a clinical simulation lab.To earn accreditation, the College of Nursing underwent an extensive peer-review process evaluating curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, governance and institutional resources. The process included a multi-day on-site evaluation as well as months of documentation and compliance review.

Graduating from an accredited nursing program is important for students pursuing employment, licensure and advanced educational opportunities, Weston said. CCNE accreditation also helps strengthen employer confidence in graduates and supports continued eligibility for federal financial aid programs administered through the U.S. Department of Education.

For BSN student Moyinoluwa Akindele, the accreditation provides peace of mind, allowing her to focus on learning and preparing to become a great nurse.

鈥淭he CCNE accreditation is incredibly important for nursing students and recent graduates because it directly impacts future opportunities,鈥 said Akindele, who graduates in August. 鈥淎s I apply for jobs outside the DFW area, I鈥檝e seen how many hospitals consider accreditation during hiring, especially for new graduates. Accreditation also creates more opportunities for advanced degrees and long-term career growth.鈥

Full uncropped photo of three UNT Health nursing students looking at a tabletFounded in 2023 to help address Texas鈥 critical nursing shortage, UNT Health鈥檚 College of Nursing achieved accreditation less than three years after its launch and welcomed its first students in fall 2024. Since its inception, the college has emphasized innovative virtual and hybrid learning models designed to prepare nurses for an evolving healthcare environment.

鈥淭his accreditation milestone reflects UNT Health鈥檚 commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses through innovative, high-quality education,鈥 said Christopher Ray, Ph.D., UNT Health senior vice president and provost. 鈥淓arning CCNE accreditation affirms the strength of our programs, faculty and student outcomes as we continue addressing critical workforce needs across Texas and beyond.鈥

The College of Nursing offers four degree pathways designed to support nurses at different stages of their careers, including a traditional prelicensure BSN, a Registered Nurse to BSN, an MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation and an MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Collectively, the programs reflect the college鈥檚 mission to create innovative professional nurses through education, practice, research, service and interprofessional collaboration.

For more information about the College of Nursing and its programs, visit .

CCNE Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program and master鈥檚 degree in Nursing Practice program at UNT Health are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. CCNE鈥檚 Standards for Accreditation of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Programs, effective Jan. 1, 2025, require continuous compliance with established national expectations throughout the accreditation period.

 

    

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