Newsroom

Fortis Institute In Pensacola Granted ACEN Accreditation For Its Registered Nursing Program

Tuesday, April 17, 2018 1:51 PM

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at Fortis Institute in Pensacola has been granted accreditation, with no stipulations, by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The program's initial accreditation is effective through October 2022.

ACEN accreditation was approved by the Board of Commissioners at its March 8-9 meeting based on findings by the ACEN site visit team last fall. In a letter notifying Dean of Nursing Dr. Lisa Carwie, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, that the RN (Registered Nursing) program had been awarded accreditation, ACEN Chief Executive Officer Marsal P. Stoll, EdD, MSN, congratulated her on "this outstanding achievement," adding, "We thank you and your colleagues for your commitment to quality nursing education."

ACEN accreditation is the result of an intense, two-year process that includes a self-study document, site visit, and review by a panel of experts from the accrediting agency.

"This is a very noteworthy achievement for our nursing program and a great day for our students, graduates and staff!" Dr. Carwie said. "Accreditation reinforces that our Associate of Science in Nursing degree is on equal footing with the nation's top RN programs. We're both proud and thrilled by this achievement and what it means for our students."

"ACEN accreditation is one of the 'gold standards' of nursing accreditations," added Fortis Vice President of Nursing Dr. Sheila Burke, DNP, MBA, MSN, RN, NEA-BC. "It enables students to do their clinical studies at a wider range of top facilities and our graduates to gain employment at a variety of major hospital networks across the region."

Fortis Institute-Pensacola joins nursing programs at Fortis College campuses in Salt Lake City, Indianapolis and Centerville, OH, and the affiliated Denver College of Nursing in earning ACEN accreditation.

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is nationally recognized as a specialized accrediting agency for post-secondary and higher degree programs in nursing education. Responsible for the specialized accreditation of nursing education programs (Clinical Doctorate, Master's Degree, Baccalaureate Degree, Associate Degree, Diploma, and Practical Nursing program), ACEN has authority and accountability for carrying out the responsibilities inherent in the application of standards and criteria, accreditation processes and policy-making, among other duties.

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is located at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. To reach ACEN, call 404-975-500 or visit www.acenursing.org.

Fortis campuses create strong learning environments for students who will become tomorrow's nurses. One of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S., the Fortis network of nursing programs has enrolled more than 5,000 students nationwide and operates over 23 nursing programs in 13 states. Fortis Colleges and Institutes have received international recognition for their use of simulation technology to educate students who will become tomorrow's nurses.

"The nursing team at Pensacola has done such a fabulous job that I am constantly asked to share our best practices with other campuses," Carwie noted. "I really believe in the Fortis educational process. ACEN accreditation just adds to its luster."