Nursing bachelor’s degree earns initial accreditation

Cincinnati State’s RN-to-BSN Completion Program has been awarded initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The designation means that students who graduated from Cincinnati State’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program on or after December 9, 2024, are graduating from an ACEN-accredited program.

ACEN accreditation recognizes quality in nursing education through a peer-review process that supports program excellence and continuous improvement for students, faculty, employers, and the community.

Benefits of accreditation include supporting student eligibility for funding, facilitating credit transfer, meeting admission requirements of some graduate programs, and helping employers identify graduates who are well-prepared for professional practice.

Dr. Leanne Buschmeier, the BSN Program Chair, said, “This recognition confirms that our program meets rigorous national standards for nursing education and reflects the hard work and commitment of our faculty, staff, students, and administration. The accreditation demonstrates Cincinnati State’s commitment to providing high-quality nursing education that prepares BSN graduates to meet evolving healthcare needs.”

“Achieving accreditation required an extensive self-study, documentation of student outcomes, and a comprehensive review by nursing education peers,” Dr. Buschmeier added. “We are incredibly proud of everyone who contributed to this accomplishment and grateful for the support we received throughout the process.”

“We look forward to welcoming more nurses into the RN-to-BSN program as we continue to strengthen the nursing workforce and improve the health of our communities,” Dr. Buschmeier said.