Webster’s Nursing Programs Granted Continuing Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Both Webster’s undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing have been granted continuing accreditation through 2031 without conditions by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), it was announced earlier this month. ACEN is one of the largest accrediting bodies for nursing programs in the United States and internationally.

 “This is exciting news, as our faculty and staff have worked hard to make sure our programs meet the ACEN’s rigorous standards, thus ensuring that our students are receiving the best instruction possible,” said Susan McFarlan, chair of the Department of Nursing in the College of Science and Health. “Continuing accreditation, along with our previous recognitions of being one of the best nursing programs in the country, is further validation that we are preparing our students to excel and elevate their nursing practice.”

Earlier this year, Webster’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program was named one of the top graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Last year, Money Magazine also ranked the program as one of the best in the country.

“This recognition is well-deserved as we have incredibly talented faculty and staff working in the nursing program,” said Michael Hulsizer, dean of the College of Science and Health. “My congratulations go to all of the employees who worked so hard to make this happen.”

To earn the accreditation, the program had to undergo an extensive review ranging from an inspection of the program’s curriculum to looking at student outcomes after graduation. A site visit was also held by members of the ACEN review committee – made up by professionals from other organizations – who then sat in classes and talked to students, faculty and staff. The site visitors recommended continuing accreditation, which was confirmed by the ACEN board in April.  

This is not the first time the nursing program garnered the attention from a national organization. Besides the U.S. News and Money magazine rankings, the nursing programs were among several STEM-related majors at Webster that received more than $1 million in a federal grant in 2022 to increase the technology available to students in the classroom.

Visit the Department of Nursing web page for more information and to apply for the program.