SFSC Nursing Program Submits Self-Study for National Accreditation
South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Associate Degree in Nursing program recently submitted its self-study report for initial accreditation to the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, Inc. (NLNAC). The self-study documents how SFSC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program meets six national standards determined by the U.S. Department of Education. The NLNAC will complete an on-site visit to view the standards in practice at the end of January.
“The primary role of accreditation is to promote high standards and excellence,” Dr. Heston said. “It serves as the agent that encourages nursing programs to push the outside of the envelope, to not accept the status quo, and to be the vision for the future of where nursing education needs to go. In SFSC’s nursing program, we strive for excellence every day.”
Currently, SFSC’s Nursing Program is approved through the State Board of Nursing and regionally accredited through the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). While the SACS accreditation shows that the program meets regional standards, the NLNAC accreditation is national, is specific to nursing education, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The NLNAC is responsible for the specialized accreditation of nursing education programs (clinical doctorate, master’s, baccalaureate, associate, diploma, and practical programs) and is one of two national nursing education program accrediting agencies. It is the only national nursing education accrediting agency that accredits associate degree programs in nursing.
(Front) Dr. Norm Stephens, president, SFSC; (back row, left) Becky Sroda, associate dean; Allied Health; Dr. Leana Revell, vice president, Educational and Student Services; Kevin Brown, dean, Applied Sciences and Technologies; Glenn Little, vice president, Administrative Services; and Dr. Michele Heston, director, Nursing Education, sign SFSC’s Associate Degree in Nursing Program’s self-study for accreditation with the NLNAC.
