Nursing Advanced Accreditation Reaffirmed

Edgecombe Community College senior associate degree nursing student Workinesh Nugussa practices inserting a nasogastric tube in a patient simulator. ECC’s nursing programs have received continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Edgecombe Community College’s associate degree nursing and practical nursing programs have received continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

ACEN accreditation is a voluntary peer-review process. ECC’s nursing programs first received ACEN accreditation in 2015.

Though ACEN accreditation is not required for nursing education programs, it demonstrates an institution’s heightened commitment to quality instruction.

All nursing education programs statewide must be approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

“We are very pleased that we have received continuing accreditation,” says Barbara Knopp, director of nursing programs at ECC. “ACEN accreditation demonstrates our institution’s commitment to quality improvement to make our nursing programs the best.”

ECC’s associate degree nursing program can enroll a maximum of 80 students, and its practical nursing program can enroll up to 20 students.

Among other benefits, ACEN accreditation provides recognition that a nursing education program has been evaluated and periodically re-evaluated by a qualified group of peers. It also assures professional development opportunities and validation for faculty.

In addition, ACEN accreditation enables student eligibility for funding support from federal and state agencies.