Paradise Valley Community College's nursing program earned its cleanest accreditation review ever.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) granted the program continued accreditation for eight years with zero findings of noncompliance, the college announced.
It marks the first time since the program launched in 2004 that it completed the accreditation process without a single finding.
That matters for students and families in the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley area weighing nursing careers.
ACEN accreditation signals that a program meets national standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical resources and student outcomes.
ACEN is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, according to the accrediting body's website.
"PVCC's eight-year accreditation reflects the collective work of nursing faculty and staff to maintain high standards in teaching, clinical competency, and student support," Nursing Program Director Dr. Jessica Bruhn said in the college's announcement.
The result followed years of preparation. Faculty and staff reviewed and updated curriculum, analyzed program outcomes, prepared reports and gathered evidence while continuing to teach and support students, the college said.
PVCC President Dr. Jana Schwartz praised the nursing team's work throughout the process.
"Receiving full accreditation is a tremendous achievement and speaks volumes about the quality of our program, our faculty, our staff, and our students," Schwartz said. "I couldn't be more proud of what we have accomplished together."
Schwartz also recognized the team's effort preparing documentation, participating in the site visit and teaching in classrooms, labs, simulation settings and clinical environments.
PVCC's Associate in Applied Science degree in nursing is one of eight such programs across the Maricopa Community Colleges. The program is also approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to apply for the national registered nurse licensure exam.
Admission is competitive. The college requires students to complete all general education and introductory courses before joining a waitlist for an available cohort spot, and applicants must pass a nursing program admission test.
Accreditation is not permanent. According to RegisteredNursing.org, ACEN's continuing accreditation term runs eight years, and programs must submit periodic reports and host follow-up reviews to maintain their status.
Bruhn called the outcome a source of pride for the entire college community and said the program plans to build on the result going forward.
