Published on May 7, 2020
In 2018 a new provision was added to the Nurse Practice Act requiring all nursing programs in Illinois to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Schools have until 2022 to receive the accreditation, but the Nursing faculty at John A. Logan College wasted no time getting the ball rolling resulting in the College being one of the first schools to achieve the status.
“Knowing how important this is to current, former and future students at the College, we did not want to waste any time getting started on the process,” said Director of Nursing Marilyn Falaster. “We have an incredible team of dedicated nursing instructors that I just can’t say enough about. The amount of work they put into getting this accreditation and to be one of the first to get it done is what I am most pleased about.”
Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford believes the recognition is public validation of the top-quality program at the College.
“Our nursing students consistently have perfect to near-perfect NCLEX (National Licensing Exam) pass rates each year,” said Hartford. “This is further evidence that students who attend John A. Logan College’s nursing program will be in a program with faculty who are student-centered and determined to make sure they learn how to be the best nurses they can be.”
The accreditation process involves a written report that involves the collection of data and evidence supporting a college’s candidacy. After receiving the evidence ACEN officials visited the College in October.
According to Vice President for Instruction Dr. Melanie Pecord, the process for accreditation is long and strenuous.
“I am so proud of our Nursing Department. They have worked very hard and never wavered through this entire process. It was a long road and a lot of work, but the nursing faculty and staff kept pushing forward,” said Pecord. “This group of individuals is so driven, focused, and hard-working with such dedication to the College and our students. Marilyn Falaster is a visionary with dedicated faculty, and they function as an exceptional team.”
According to Falaster, accreditation is not just a stamp of approval for the College, but it also opens up more doors for students.
“Accreditation is a process that ensures all schools and programs are held to the same high-quality standards,” said Falaster. “Attending an accredited program ensures that you’re getting the education that’s necessary to start your career.”
Falaster added that Nursing school accreditation is essential for several reasons. First, accreditation keeps nursing school graduates across the country educated at the same level. This means that patients can count on getting the same level of care no matter where they live. In addition to benefiting students, Falaster said that the community benefits as well because it helps employers know that they are hiring competent practitioners.
For more information on the Nursing program at John A. Logan College contact Marilyn Falaster at 985-2828, Ext. 8455 or at marilynfalaster@jalc.edu.