Program Consistently Exceeds State Averages for Performance on NCLEX Licensing Exam
Berlin, NH – White Mountains Community College (WMCC) has earned national accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for its Associate of Science in Nursing program, which prepares students for positions as Registered Nurses. ACEN accreditation is the leading national authority in ensuring that nursing programs meet high-quality, rigorous standards of teaching and learning outcomes.
This news for WMCC comes on the heels of its 2019 graduating class achieving a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensing exam, which controls entry into the profession as Registered Nurses. Since 2014, WMCC’s nursing program graduates have performed well above state and national averages on this exam.
“We worked very hard to ensure we meet the highest of standards of national nursing accreditation requirements and are thrilled to have received confirmation that our program satisfies this rigorous review,” said Emily MacDonald, MS, RN, professor and coordinator of the nursing program at WMCC. “The accreditation demonstrates the quality of our curriculum and confirms that our students are receiving a comprehensive, robust, evidence-based and future-focused education that will prepare them for excellence in the practice of nursing as they graduate from WMCC and go out into our hospitals and other community healthcare organizations as nurses.”
According to the New Hampshire Nurses Association, there is a current shortage of about 2,000 healthcare professionals in the state. Additionally, the data shows that the increase of vacancies for nurses has increased by more than 20% over the past two years, exacerbating the shortage and putting patients at risk due to the lack of access to care. Programs like WMCC’s Associate of Science in Nursing aim to fill this gap by preparing the next generation of nurses with the skills needed to quickly enter the field.
The accreditation application process is complex and lengthy. It includes preparing a comprehensive self-study report, hosting a site visit by a team from ACEN, interviews and the review of lengthy documentation, data and policies. The entire process took two years to complete.
WMCC’s Associate of Science in Nursing program is already approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and has a history of preparing industry-ready healthcare professionals. Students who earn the associate degree in Nursing have immediate career opportunities as Registered Nurses, and many also continue their education in Bachelor of Science programs.
To learn more about the WMCC Associate of Science in Nursing, contact Emily MacDonald at 603-342-3028, [email protected] or visit wmcc.edu.
About White Mountains Community College
White Mountains Community College (WMCC) is located in Berlin, New Hampshire with satellite campuses in Littleton and North Conway, and is one of seven colleges in the Community College System of New Hampshire. WMCC offers Associate Degree and Certificate programs, plus training options, preparing students for 21st century job opportunities as well as transfer pathways to four-year colleges and universities. WMCC is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Our courses are the most affordable in New Hampshire and our Littleton Academic Center makes us accessible to all students in the North Country Region. Courses are available day, evening and online. WMCC courses transfer to four-year colleges and universities in New Hampshire and across the country. The seven community colleges in the system are committed to working with businesses throughout the state to train and retain employees to develop a robust workforce across all sectors and embraces the “65 by 25 Initiative,” which calls for 65% of NH citizens to have some form of postsecondary education by 2025 to meet future workforce demands.
