MESA, Arizona -- April 27, 2018 – The Mesa Community College Nursing Program was awarded continuing accreditation for achievement of quality and excellence in nursing education from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) on April 6, 2018. The next evaluation visit will be fall 2025.
The ACEN report indicates the MCC Nursing Program is working to achieve clear and appropriate educational objectives. Emphasis is placed upon the total Nursing Program and its compliance with established standards and criteria in the context of its mission/philosophy as well as current and future nursing practice.
“We are thrilled that the rigorous accreditation process affirmed the quality of instruction in our nursing program,” said Diane Dietz, chair of the MCC Nursing Department. “This is wonderful news and provides us with information on how to continually improve our ability to serve our students and our community.”
The ACEN Panel reviewed course materials, solicited third-party comments and took part in classroom and clinical observations. Among the many findings, ACEN evaluators reported that the environment at MCC was conductive to student learning and that the student-to-faculty interaction and communication was supportive, respectful and appropriate.
MCC earned initial ACEN accreditation in 1966. Registered Nursing was added to the college’s curriculum in 1968. The program has grown from its initial 16 Practice Nursing graduates in 1966 to an enrollment of more than 350 nursing students in 2017.
MCC is a member of the MaricopaNursing consortium comprised of eight community colleges and seven partner universities. Completion of all program requirements prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN® exam).
The MCC Nursing Program offers a concurrent enrollment program (CEP), allowing students to enroll at a partner university to earn a baccalaureate in nursing within one year of MCC graduation. Also, MCC has a Paramedic to RN Bridge Pathway, offering experienced paramedics a route to advanced placement in the MaricopaNursing Program, as well as a Nurse Assistant Program and an RN Refresher Program.
Each MaricopaNursing college is nationally accredited by the ACEN, 3343 Peachtree Road, NE Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326. State approval for the Nursing Programs is provided by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN), 4747 N. 7th St. Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85014; 602-771-7800.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 408-461-7892
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the functions of accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary, peer-review, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. Accreditation also assists in the further improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved. The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession. Learn more at acenursing.org.
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to higher education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Renowned faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and nationally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of 10 colleges comprising the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.
The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.