VSU Online Nursing Program Earns National Accreditation

The prestigious achievement is a first in program history and will last through 2028. 

Virginia State University is proud to announce that its online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has earned a five-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This is a historic milestone for VSU, as it marks the first time in the University's history that its nursing program has been nationally accredited.

The accreditation, effective retroactively from October 30, 2023, reflects VSU's commitment to providing high-quality education and opportunities for its students. The accreditation will last through 2028 and can be extended.

VSU has a long-standing tradition of preparing students for healthcare careers, dating back to the 1980s. The current RN to BSN program, launched in 2020, is the University's first-ever online program and now its first accredited nursing program.

The accreditation process began in the fall of 2023 and included a comprehensive self-study document demonstrating the program's adherence to CCNE's educational and student support standards.

"We are honored to receive this accreditation from CCNE, which is only awarded to programs that meet the highest standards of quality," said Dr. Sibena Samuel-Harris, Associate Professor and Chairperson of the VSU Department of Nursing. "At VSU, we are dedicated to equipping our nursing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become leaders in today's healthcare system, and this accreditation reaffirms that commitment."

Recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an autonomous body that ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. CCNE's mission is to improve public health and serve the public's interest by evaluating programs that engage in effective educational practices.

An education from a CCNE-accredited nursing program enables VSU students to deliver high-quality care to patients and helps them improve their lives. Additionally, credits from an accredited nursing program are readily accepted for advanced degree pursuits.

To enroll in the online RN to BSN program, students must have a Registered Nurse license. According to 2024 data from Payscale, graduates with a BSN from VSU can earn an average annual salary of $94,000, compared to $77,000 for those with an associate degree in nursing (ADN).

Prospective students, as well as those interested in learning more about the program, are encouraged to visit https://www.vsu.edu/cnhs/departments/nursing/.

The online RN to BSN program at Virginia State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).