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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program at Concordia University Irvine Earns National Accreditation

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program at Concordia University Irvine Earns National Accreditation

IRVINE, Calif. (November 27, 2017)— The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), an accreditation agency that accredits nursing baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs nationwide, granted the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Concordia University Irvine (CUI) full accreditation this month. The CCNE full accreditation—the first for the university’s MSN program—is granted only to nursing programs that meet or exceed standards accepted by nursing education programs throughout the country.

The voluntary process included 11 months of preparation and on-site visits at Concordia’s Nursing Department Irvine campus in order to evaluate and assess faculty, curriculum and classrooms. CCNE evaluators, who are practicing nurses, faculty, deans and employers, ensure that nursing standards are being met. Concordia’s full accreditation is valid for five years.

“We are honored to have received this accreditation,” said Concordia University Irvine Assistant Dean and Director of the Nursing Program Cheryl Smythe-Padgham, DNP, RN, WHNP-BC. “It’s a testament to our faculty who are preparing nursing professionals. The true benefit, though, is to our local community and healthcare system.”

Concordia University Irvine’s MSN degree program is designed for nursing professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree, but are looking to advance their career. MSN students can choose from two tracks: the Nursing Leadership track which focuses on the clinical setting, or the Nursing Education track which equips graduates to become advanced nurse educators in the healthcare or academic settings. Concordia’s MSN program, which began in 2015, is WASC accredited, and has graduated one cohort of nursing students since its inception. MSN students are required to complete 44 units in 15-20 months in a blended format consisting of online and on-site classroom instruction.

Concordia University Irvine’s two other nursing degree programs—Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and RN to BSN—received 10-year CCNE accreditation in 2014. The CCNE is an autonomous arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

About Concordia University Irvine

Concordia University Irvine (CUI) is a private non-profit Lutheran Christian four-year liberal arts university that prepares students for their vocations—their calling in life. Concordia offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in education, nursing, theology, business, and coaching/athletics administration. CUI’s undergraduate program is distinctive because of its nationally recognized core curriculum, Enduring Questions & Ideas, and its Lutheran heritage that provides a thoughtful and caring Christian community that lives out the theology of "Grace Alone. Faith Alone." Concordia is a U.S. News Top Tier Regional University and has been named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the fastest growing private nonprofit master's institutions.  The University enrolls over 4,000 students annually and is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II.  

Contact: Caroline Wong Communications Consultant (714) 697-8649 [email protected]

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