Continuing Nursing Education earns accreditation with distinction

The UNMC College of Nursing Continuing Nursing Education office recently received four years of accreditation with distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the highest level of recognition awarded.

The accreditation process is a rigorous, in-depth review process that demonstrates compliance to criteria in every continuing education activity, to include the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the activity.

It ensures that nurses who attend ANCC-provided activities receive the highest quality education aimed at improving their ability to care for patients or function in their job. Contact hours awarded with each activity are used to demonstrate engagement in lifelong learning, a professional requirement to practice.

Heidi Keeler, Ph.D., assistant professor in the College of Nursing Omaha Division and interim director of Continuing Nursing Education, said every four years, the college undergoes an audit of its programs and processes by the ANCC.

The recognition, good through November 2020, means there were no deficiencies during the ANCC review and that the college demonstrated exemplary practice in meeting ANCC criteria. The ANCC is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association.

“In 2012, our office was one of the first provider units in the nation to receive accreditation with distinction,” Dr. Keeler said. “This year marks the second review cycle in which the college’s Continuing Nursing Education office was awarded accreditation with distinction.”