The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has granted full accreditation to the Wayne State University College of Nursing’s bachelor’s, master’s, doctor of nursing practice and graduate certificate programs through 2033. CCNE is a national, autonomous accrediting agency ensuring the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency/fellowship programs in nursing.

CCNE-accredited programs are evaluated against four standards: mission and governance, institutional commitment and resources, curriculum and teaching-learning practices, and assessment and achievement of program outcomes. Each standard includes numerous key elements. In its review of Wayne State College of Nursing programs, the CCNE Board of Commissioners determined the college met all four accreditation standards across each program, with no compliance concerns across any of the 124 key elements assessed.

CCNE notified Wayne State President Kimberly Andrews Espy, PhD, and former College of Nursing Dean and acting WSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Lauzon Clabo, PhD, RN, FAAN, of the full accreditation Nov. 2.

“I congratulate everyone involved with this accreditation and recognize Dr. Clabo for her work leading the College of Nursing to this significant accomplishment,” said President Espy. “Earning full accreditation without any compliance concerns is an outstanding success. It reaffirms the college’s standing and faculty as national leaders in nursing education and highlights the skill and dedication of Nursing Warriors, who make an immeasurable impact on the health and well-being of our community every day.”  

The accreditation process involved yearslong preparation, with collaboration among College of Nursing leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni and clinical partners. Various working groups comprising these stakeholders helped analyze the college’s strengths, challenges and opportunities, contributing to the development of an exhaustive self-study report. A team of CCNE site reviewers visited the college in March 2023, conducting interviews, analyses and evaluation over the course of three days.

“This is a special moment for the college and an achievement that should fill the entire Wayne State nursing community with pride,” said Clabo. “I would like to share my gratitude for the dedicated team members who helped us reach this goal, particularly Acting Dean Dr. Ramona Benkert. The exemplary accreditation review reinforces the fact that a Wayne State College of Nursing education is among the best in the country and our graduates are a cut above the rest.”

To learn more about CCNE and view the accreditation status of the WSU College of Nursing or other accredited institutions, visit aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation.

Recognized as a leader in nursing education, knowledge generation and contemporary nursing practice, the Wayne State University College of Nursing has been dedicated to providing the highest quality education to a diverse population of students for more than 75 years. Through BSN, MSN, PhD, DNP and graduate certificate programs, Wayne State nursing graduates are prepared to be leaders in research, education and practice, with an enhanced focus on addressing health disparities and the health care needs of urban populations. U.S. News and World Report has recognized the WSU College of Nursing for offering BSN, MSN and DNP programs that are ranked among the best in the country.