Owens nursing program loses national accreditation

10/12/2009

Owens Community College has lost national accreditation for its nursing program.

The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission denied the college continuing accreditation after a two year conditional period to address compliance issues.

Owens' registered nursing and practical nursing programs maintain full approval through the Ohio Board of Nursing, which regulates nursing education programs in the state.

Sharon Tanner, executive director of the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, declined to say what standards Owens did not meet that led to its denial of accreditation.

But she did say it is unusual for colleges to lose it.

"Nursing programs value accreditation," she said. "It has meaning to their graduates and their program."

National accreditation, while its not required for all nursing programs, does help students when they pursue advanced degrees or a competitive job, Ms. Tanner said.