Minneapolis—May 4, 2006—Walden University’s Master of Science (MS) program in Nursing has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. CCNE, as the only national accrediting agency to focus exclusively on baccalaureate and graduate education programs in nursing education, ensures the quality and integrity of higher-education degree programs preparing effective nursing professionals.
Walden University, an accredited online institution, offers an MS program in Nursing with specializations in Education and in Leadership and Management. Just two years after the program’s launch, Walden has more than 1,000 enrolled in the MS program in Nursing.
“CCNE accreditation means Walden’s program meets the highest standards and will equip graduates to make a direct impact on the nursing shortage by producing qualified, inspired leaders dedicated to taking the profession to new heights on the job and in the classroom,” said Marion G. Anema, PhD, faculty chair of Walden’s MS program in Nursing. “This accreditation indicates that the Walden nursing program has the substance, standards and focus needed to enable its graduates to excel in a professional career environment and practice effectively,” said Dr. Anema.
Demand for master’s-prepared R.N.s is growing, as patient care is becoming more complex, with aging populations located both in and out of hospital settings. The nation is experiencing a shortage of nurses both at the bachelor’s and graduate leadership levels, and Walden is helping to solve the shortage by increasing the number of nurse educators. More than 1 million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2012 (according to the February 2004 Bureau of Labor Statistics Monthly Labor Review). These and other related issues will come into focus as this country’s 2.9 million nurses, the largest group of health care workers in America, celebrate National Nurses Week from May 6 to 12, 2006.
About Walden University
Since 1970, Walden University has offered working professionals the opportunity to earn advanced degrees through distance learning. Today, this comprehensive, accredited online university offers master’s and doctoral degrees in education, psychology, management, public policy and administration, and health and human services, as well as master’s programs in engineering and IT and bachelor’s completion programs in business. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org; 312-263-0456.
About CCNE
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs preparing effective nurses. CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing education programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC, 20036, 202-887-6791.