MINOT, ND (KXNET) — The Department of Nursing at Minot State University has earned accreditation, reaffirming its excellence in the department along with its existing national accreditation. A major component in the accreditation is the university's current National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) passing rate of 100% in 2023. Amy Lee, chair of the department of nursing, expressed her pride in the program, its mission, and its students. “It is a time for our program to shine and really be proud of the work we are doing, the nurses that we are creating, and the environment we create so that students can succeed and be great nurses,” Lee said. “Nursing is something you must have a passion for.” The program is accredited regionally by the North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON), which is essential for legally operating within the state, as it allows graduates of the school to take the NCLEX-RN. It is also nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This certification is voluntary, and it indicates that the program meets higher standards. Mandan Public Schools among those hit in nationwide cybersecurity incident Lee says regional and national accreditation are both essential, as they help students move on in their academic careers. “Not only is CCNE accreditation a mark of quality for our program, graduating from a nursing program that is nationally accredited is usually a requirement if students wish to pursue a graduate degree in the nursing field,” she added. Ensuring that the program meets every requirement is challenging, and requires collaboration between faculty, staff, and students to prove. “It is such a big task; we must show how our program and curriculum show not only the standard but also the concepts and the essentials of preparing new nurses for the environment,” Lee said. “Achieving and maintaining CCNE accreditation involves an in-depth, ongoing evaluation by our faculty, examining everything from curriculum and clinical experiences to faculty credentials, student support, and outcome measures. This year, the university is incorporating updated standards, which means it must prove again how MSU nursing educates students on the required core curriculum. To learn more about accreditation and what the university had (and has) to do, head over to the Minot State website. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW