Courtesy of Morgan State University
After a thorough and comprehensive review of Morgan State University’s undergraduate nursing student program offerings, preparation initiatives, and real-world training, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has extended the accreditation of the School of Community Health and Policy (SCHP). ) Department of Nursing baccalaureate degree program for a maximum duration of 10 years. The reaccreditation of the baccalaureate nursing program comes at an opportune time in the department’s growth, as enrollment interest remains high and FY24 graduates posted a 90.3% pass rate for the first time. This latest round of accreditation runs until 2033.
“As the dean who leads the pre-licensure nursing program at Morgan, I am proud to achieve full accreditation from the CCNE. Our leadership team, nursing faculty and staff, as well as students have worked diligently to earn this mark of excellence,” Kim Sydnor, Ph. D., dean of the School of Community Health and Policy, said: “Congratulations to all. The state and the nation are in need and ready for good nurses This accreditation, along with our excellent pass rate, ensures the growth of a diverse, well-trained nursing workforce.
Accreditation involves a comprehensive assessment of an educational institution’s programs through a non-governmental organization peer review process using nationally accepted standards. The Bachelor of Science (Nursing) at Morgan received its initial accreditation from the CCNE in 2018. As an independent affiliate of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the U.S. Department of Education recognizes CCNE as the premier accrediting body. the country’s various nursing education programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels. The educational standards established by the CCNE are designed to promote continuous quality improvement in nursing education while evaluating the academic preparation of individuals entering the nursing profession.
Morgan’s Department of Nursing is among more than 800 schools of nursing nationwide committed to voluntary self-regulation and evaluation in accordance with CCNE standards and procedures. CCNE is also the accrediting agency for Morgan’s Master of Science (Nursing) degree, while the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is accredited by the Middle States Higher Education Commission.
“Receiving the maximum ten-year period for reaccreditation is a testament to the hard work of faculty, staff, students and alumni over the years,” said Maija Anderson, DNP, APRN, Chair of the Department of Nursing at Morgan State University. “This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our clinical partners and the University administration. We are excited to move forward with advancing our vision for excellence in nursing.”
During fiscal year 2024, graduates of Morgan’s nursing program recorded a 90.3% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN national licensure exam, still an impressive pursuit since Morgan nursing graduates achieved a 100% first-time pass rate in 2018 . The testing standard used for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN exam) is the knowledge and skills of a nurse in patient care upon graduation from an accredited nursing program.
Formally established in 2008, Morgan’s Nursing program was created in response to the national nursing shortage, the underrepresentation of minorities in health care, and health care disparities between Baltimore residents and the broader community. Last fall, the Department of Nursing was awarded a $4.4 million contract with Baltimore City Public Schools to provide pediatric nursing services within health suites at five schools in the city. The health services initiative is part of a large-scale, multi-institutional collaboration to access the practice and professional health services of leading university nursing programs in Baltimore.
To further support and develop the efforts of its health-oriented programs, including nursing, Morgan State University constructed a new 208,000-square-foot, $171 million Center for Health and Human Services. The state-of-the-art building houses innovative classrooms and laboratories, offices, showrooms and community spaces. It will be operational for the start of the fall semester of 2024.
