Galen College of Nursing awarded regional accreditation

Galen College of Nursing has been awarded regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This designation, which represents the highest level of institutional accreditation in higher education, was awarded at the annual summer meeting of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. The College’s five-year accreditation status is retroactive to January 1, 2013.

SACSCOC accreditation provides assurance of quality to the public that the College has demonstrated compliance with an established set of standards and criteria. Through the active engagement of faculty and staff in the accreditation process, Galen confirmed that it accomplishes its mission through the effectiveness of its resources, programs, services, and academic outcomes. In addition, this designation will help students with mobility as they continue their education, signals quality to prospective employers, promotes the College’s accountability to the public, and will serve to strengthen community partnerships and provide opportunities to foster new relationships throughout the healthcare community.

“In 2008, we embraced the challenge to achieve regional accreditation. Five years later, Galen College of Nursing has met this challenge,” said President Mark Vogt. “Achieving regional accreditation is a major milestone in the history of the College. This is an acknowledgement from our peers of the College’s dedication to providing its students with the highest quality of nursing education possible, and it validates our faculty and staff’s commitment to excellence. We are proud to share this accomplishment with our students, alumni, and communities. This is an exciting time for the College and is a transformative moment in our evolution – we are truly just getting started on what we will contribute to the nursing profession.”

SACSCOC accreditation allows the College to apply to expand its nursing program offerings which includes the development of a baccalaureate degree in Nursing (BSN). “The future of healthcare in the U.S. will require that nurses have increased opportunities to advance their educational preparation,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs, Tracy A. Ortelli, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF. “Regional accreditation positions Galen College of Nursing to strategically move forward in order to help fill this growing and important educational need.”