Villanova Nursing CE program receives continued accreditation

Villanova, PA, September 7, 2007 — Villanova University College of Nursing has received a full six years of continuing accreditation for its Continuing Education (CE) in Nursing and Health Care Program from the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation. This voluntary process certifies that the program has been evaluated by professionals, that it meets or exceeds established standards and is achieving its own goals. Typical accreditation is for four years as it applies to CE programs.

The College of Nursing’s CE program was established in 1979. Today, it offers national and regional conferences, seminars workshops and certificate programs to clinicians and nursing administrators and averages 1000 participants in 40 different programs each year. The program is led by Lynore DeSilets, Ed.D., R.N.-BC, assistant dean and director, a professional development expert who was involved in the original grant-funded CE program.

The College of Nursing is part of a select group. According to Dr. DeSilets, fewer than 25 colleges and universities are currently accredited by ANCC. The reaccreditation process is a rigorous one, defining standards for high performance and measures adherence to those standards. “The process involves a comprehensive analysis that includes a review of goals, CE processes and the capacity to achieve the goals,” explains Dr. DeSilets, “There needs to be evidence of adherence to the processes over an extended period of time.”

She sees a bright future for the College and its critical CE program, offering “As more states require continuing education credits for relicensure, the College of Nursing is well positioned to provide service to the nursing profession. Continuing education serves as a foundation to support the competence and accountability of nurses and promote quality healthcare.”