MCC’s Nursing Program Receives Full Accreditation with Strength

November 3, 2022

~Submitted by Middlesex Community College

Middlesex Community College’s Nursing program received full accreditation with three areas of strength for faculty mentorship opportunities, student support services, and preparation to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Education and Nursing (ACEN) every eight years.

“ACEN was complimentary and said it was the best self-study that they have read,” said Carolyn Walsh, MCC’s Director, Nurse Education. “The accreditors were astounded that the information was clear, accurate and truthful, and was easily validated while they were onsite. They thought we have a phenomenal program and commended us on doing a great job during the pandemic.”

The accreditation results are reaffirming for Walsh, who knows the value of MCC’s Nursing program. Of the 43 students who graduated in Spring 2022, 40 passed the NCLEX, with three students who still need to take it. The 2021 graduating class had an 89 percent NCLEX pass rate, 97 percent program completion rate, and 91 percent job placement rate – all of which is above the state and national means. 

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nursing classroom with hospital beds
Middlesex Community College’s Nursing program received full accreditation with three areas of strength for faculty mentorship opportunities, student support services, and preparation to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Education and Nursing (ACEN) every eight years. Courtesy Image (c) all rights reserved.

“We provide a succinct and well-executed program,” Walsh said. “The accreditation affirmed that our program’s academic rigor and integrity is allowing students to be successful and follows all of the national standards and recommendations for best practices.”

The 200-page self-study addressed six standards, including how the program fits into the college as a whole, faculty, students, curriculum, resources and program outcomes. During the three-day visit to MCC, the accreditors verified that all of the data and supporting details were accurate.

In addition to talking with faculty, the accreditors had the opportunity to meet with 30 Middlesex students who spoke highly of the program and college. Walsh believes part of the success of the program comes from the hands-on support it receives college-wide, including from President Phil Sisson, Provost Arlene Rodríguez, and Dean of Health Karen Townsend.

“MCC’s Nursing program is a proven leader of providing an equitable, accessible and affordable education for students, as well as well-prepared and knowledgeable graduates for an in-demand industry,” Rodríguez said. “This most recent accreditation is further proof of the strength of this program, which includes relevant classroom, clinical and lab experiences that combined, leads to long-term success for our students.”

An MCC student herself, Walsh completed general education requirements while exploring career options. When she had an opportunity to return to Middlesex to work as an adjunct faculty member, she jumped at the chance. She went on to work as coordinator of the part-time program before being named interim, then full-time director in March 2021. The accreditation was Walsh’s first as director, and the first since the start of the pandemic.

“We were in full compliance in all six standards with three being identified as exemplary with many areas of strength, which is pretty remarkable,” Walsh said.

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CAPTION (MCC_Nursing_Accreditation_F22.jpg: Middlesex Community College’s Nursing program received full accreditation with three areas of strength for faculty mentorship opportunities, student support services, and preparation to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Education and Nursing (ACEN) every eight years.

MCC’s Nursing Program Receives Full Accreditation with Strength

Middlesex Community College’s Nursing program received full accreditation with three areas of strength for faculty mentorship opportunities, student support services, and preparation to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Education and Nursing (ACEN) every eight years.

“ACEN was complimentary and said it was the best self-study that they have read,” said Carolyn Walsh, MCC’s Director, Nurse Education. “The accreditors were astounded that the information was clear, accurate and truthful, and was easily validated while they were onsite. They thought we have a phenomenal program and commended us on doing a great job during the pandemic.”

The accreditation results are reaffirming for Walsh, who knows the value of MCC’s Nursing program. Of the 43 students who graduated in Spring 2022, 40 passed the NCLEX, with three students who still need to take it. The 2021 graduating class had an 89 percent NCLEX pass rate, 97 percent program completion rate, and 91 percent job placement rate – all of which is above the state and national means. 

“We provide a succinct and well-executed program,” Walsh said. “The accreditation affirmed that our program’s academic rigor and integrity is allowing students to be successful and follows all of the national standards and recommendations for best practices.”

The 200-page self-study addressed six standards, including how the program fits into the college as a whole, faculty, students, curriculum, resources and program outcomes. During the three-day visit to MCC, the accreditors verified that all of the data and supporting details were accurate.

In addition to talking with faculty, the accreditors had the opportunity to meet with 30 Middlesex students who spoke highly of the program and college. Walsh believes part of the success of the program comes from the hands-on support it receives college-wide, including from President Phil Sisson, Provost Arlene Rodríguez, and Dean of Health Karen Townsend.

“MCC’s Nursing program is a proven leader of providing an equitable, accessible and affordable education for students, as well as well-prepared and knowledgeable graduates for an in-demand industry,” Rodríguez said. “This most recent accreditation is further proof of the strength of this program, which includes relevant classroom, clinical and lab experiences that combined, leads to long-term success for our students.”

An MCC student herself, Walsh completed general education requirements while exploring career options. When she had an opportunity to return to Middlesex to work as an adjunct faculty member, she jumped at the chance. She went on to work as coordinator of the part-time program before being named interim, then full-time director in March 2021. The accreditation was Walsh’s first as director, and the first since the start of the pandemic.

“We were in full compliance in all six standards with three being identified as exemplary with many areas of strength, which is pretty remarkable,” Walsh said.

###

CAPTION (MCC_Nursing_Accreditation_F22.jpg: Middlesex Community College’s Nursing program received full accreditation with three areas of strength for faculty mentorship opportunities, student support services, and preparation to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Education and Nursing (ACEN) every eight years.

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