The nursing programs at Northwest Technical College have received full accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The commission granted accreditation to NTC’s practical nursing diploma and its associate of science degree nursing programs.
Ashley Anderson, nursing faculty at NTC, said national accreditation provides increased opportunities for students’ educational and career paths in the nursing profession.
“For our current students and prospective students, this is confirmation that our program provides a high-quality education that has been evaluated on a national level, and meets the commission’s standards for quality nursing education,” she said. “The training student receive and the knowledge they gain at NTC will put them on a path to a rewarding career in nursing. Accreditation is a quality indicator that many employers use to recognize the high standards you were held to during your training.”
According to the commission, accreditation benefits all students, faculty and administrators of accredited programs in a number of ways, including:
- Eligibility for student admission to baccalaureate or graduate level programs.
- Professional development opportunities for faculty.
- Aid in student recruitment.
- Eligibility for funding support from federal and state agencies, and foundations.
- Aid to employers seeking graduates who are competent practitioners.
- Faculty awareness and responsiveness to areas needing improvement.
- Transfer of credit to other programs.
Michele Brielmaier, dean of nursing and human services, said that accreditation marks the beginning of an ongoing process to assess NTC’s nursing program and its faculty and to measure outcomes for students.
“Quality nursing education is the leading influence in training well-prepared nurses for the growing demand in healthcare,” she said. “Achieving accreditation demonstrates successful evaluation of the nursing programs at NTC and provides established standards to sustain accreditation for years to come.”
About NTC Nursing Programs
Diploma — Practical Nursing
This 38-credit diploma prepares nurses to work under the supervision of a registered nurse, providing bedside care and interacting closely with patients. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as an licensed practical nurse and they may continue for an associate of science in nursing at NTC.
AS — Nursing LPN Step-In Track
This 64-credit degree is a one-year step-in program for licensed practical nurses. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse.
AS — Nursing Generic Track
This 64-credit degree is offered as a two-year program for students with no previous nursing experience. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse.
About the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice and the public by providing specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs. As the leading authority in nursing education accreditation, the commission’s goal is to be a supportive partner in strengthening the quality of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs.
Accreditation of a nursing program or transition-to-practice program is a process by which a program is evaluated by a group of its peers in order to determine its quality. The peer evaluators perform this evaluation by conducting an in-person “site visit,” after which an accreditation decision is made by the the organization’s Board of Commissioners. When a nursing program holds accreditation, it means the commission recognizes that a nursing program meets a set of Standards and can be trusted to deliver quality education.
The commission is recognized as an accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. It is also one of the largest specialized accrediting agencies, accrediting nursing programs throughout the United States, its territories, and internationally. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is the oldest nursing education accreditor.
Contact
- Michele Brielmaier, dean of nursing and human services; (218) 333-6659, michele.brielmaier@ntcmn.edu
Links
Northwest Technical College, located in northern Minnesota’s lake district, has prepared students for fulfilling careers in high-demand fields for more than 50 years. The college’s accessible, affordable, hands-on programs also help the region’s employers meet their ever-growing need for a highly skilled workforce. NTC serves more than 1,000 students with an excellent education, an open-enrollment policy and affordable tuition. Students may pursue nearly 40 degree, diploma and certificate programs in six distinct career paths. Classes are offered on campus, online, or as a combination of both. NTC is a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities. For more, visit ntcmn.edu
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