Accreditation In Nursing Education for Master Degree Achieving Licensure and Accreditation from Appropriate Organizations
In 2000, the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing (FSMFN) applied to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to offer a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, specifically in nurse midwifery and family nurse practitioner (FNP) tracks. The application was approved on October 17, 2000, enabling the institution to expand its educational offerings and comply with licensure requirements for graduate-level nursing education.
Licensure for Master’s Level Education
Licensure for Master’s level education is crucial for ensuring that nursing programs meet state and national standards. The addition of the MSN degree in midwifery and family nurse practitioner at FSMFN required compliance with specific licensure regulations set forth by the state’s education council. Achieving this licensure ensured that the programs met the criteria for educating advanced practice nurses and providing them with the necessary credentials to practice in these specialized fields.
Institutional Accreditation for Nursing Degree Licensure
In 2000, FSMFN also began the process of achieving institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Accreditation is critical for ensuring the academic quality and institutional effectiveness of nursing programs. The process required a comprehensive review of the school’s organization, curriculum, and infrastructure to meet SACS’ rigorous standards.
Steps Toward SACS Accreditation
- Orientation: FSMFN administrators attended two SACS orientation sessions in 1999 and 2000, where it became evident that significant improvements were needed in the areas of school organization, curriculum implementation, and the development of institutional effectiveness processes.
- Organizational Restructuring: To meet SACS criteria, FSMFN underwent a major organizational overhaul. The SACS criteria mandated that the school have a chief executive officer (CEO) whose primary responsibility was to the institution and who was not the presiding officer of the board. At the time, FSMFN was one of five not-for-profit subsidiary corporations of the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS), which included a hospital, health clinics, real estate, and a foundation. In 2001, Susan Stone, DNSc, CNM, was appointed as the President and Dean of the school, a restructuring that aligned FSMFN with the requirements for institutional accreditation.
- Candidacy Application Process: FSMFN submitted its first application for candidacy to SACS in June 2001, followed by two more applications in 2002. By March 2003, FSMFN hosted a SACS site visit, which led to FSMFN receiving candidacy approval in June 2003.
- Accreditation Site Visit: In July 2004, FSMFN completed the final accreditation site visit, which resulted in a positive evaluation. No recommendations for improvements were issued, and the school received full accreditation in December 2004 at the SACS annual meeting.
Program Accreditation
To offer a credible MSN program, FSMFN also pursued programmatic accreditation from two key bodies:
- The American College of Nurse-Midwives Division of Accreditation (ACNM/DOA) granted approval in 2002 to offer the MSN program to the Community-based Nurse-Midwifery Education Program (CNEP) students.
- The National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) accreditation was pursued to operate the Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (CFNP) track, ensuring the program’s overall validity and compliance with national nursing standards.
In October 2004, a coordinated site visit with ACNM/DOA and NLNAC took place, resulting in the MSN program receiving full accreditation from both organizations in February 2005.
Developing, Evaluating, and Improving Library Resources
A critical component of nursing education, especially at the graduate level, is access to comprehensive library resources. In the earlier stages of FSMFN’s graduate program, students were provided with course packs containing required readings, but access to a robust library was limited. This led students to rely on their local libraries or employer-provided resources. However, this system was not sustainable for graduate-level work, and FSMFN committed to significantly improving its library services.
Library Improvement Initiatives
- Hiring a Qualified Librarian: FSMFN took steps to improve its library by hiring a part-time librarian and contracting with the University of Kentucky Medical Library for expert support. This collaboration laid the groundwork for developing a comprehensive online library accessible to both on-site and off-site students.
- Online Library Development: A strategic plan was implemented to guide the development of an online library that would meet the needs of the graduate program. The focus was on primary care and midwifery resources, providing students with the necessary tools to excel in their studies. The online library is continuously available and allows students to access resources from anywhere, enhancing their ability to conduct research and complete assignments efficiently.
- Physical Library Space: FSMFN renovated a large building on campus, known as Aunt Hattie’s Barn, to house the physical library and a well-equipped computer lab. The library’s physical collection focuses on essential resources that students need during their on-campus sessions. Additionally, high-speed wireless access was installed to support both on-campus and remote access to library materials.
Enhancing Information Literacy
FSMFN implemented a structured approach to improving information literacy among students. This included:
- An online tutorial designed to familiarize students with the library’s resources.
- A comprehensive introduction to library services offered during the Frontier Bound orientation session.
- A well-organized library website, which simplifies access to online materials and guides students in conducting effective research.
The library committee, comprising faculty, students, and a web designer, continuously evaluates the library’s resources to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the school’s community.
Conclusion
Achieving licensure and accreditation for master-level nursing education programs is a multi-step process that involves meeting both state and national standards. At FSMFN, the introduction of the MSN program required compliance with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, along with institutional and programmatic accreditation from SACS, ACNM/DOA, and NLNAC.
In addition to securing accreditation, FSMFN made significant strides in improving library services to support the advanced research and educational needs of its students. By developing a comprehensive online library and enhancing information literacy, the school ensured that students and faculty have access to the resources needed for graduate-level education. With these improvements, FSMFN has positioned itself as a leading institution for advanced nursing education, equipped to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.