The Northwest Missouri State University online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has been granted accreditation by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) Board of Commissioners.

The Board of Commissioners’ decision was based on a review of the program’s self-study report, an on-site program evaluation team report, and the NLN CNEA Program Review Committee’s report that determined the program is compliant with NLN CNEA’s Standards of Accreditation.

The program’s initial accreditation status is effective for a maximum term of six years through Oct. 31, 2027.

“Obtaining nursing accreditation is not an easy feat, but our team worked hard to ensure our program met the standards and indicators of the nursing accreditation body to ensure students and graduates of our program are prepared to meet the needs and ongoing demands of the nursing workforce,” Dr. Brooke McAtee, the director of the nursing program at Northwest, said.

Northwest began offering MSN coursework in fall 2020 as part of a 30-hour graduate program for registered nurses who have obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program offers 15 hours of core classes with the remaining 15 hours completed in one of two tracks – nurse executive and administration, or nurse educator.

The National League for Nursing is dedicated to excellence in nursing and is regarded as the premier organization for faculty and leaders in nursing education. It offers faculty development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants and public policy initiatives to its more than 40,000 individuals and more than 1,200 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and health care organizations. Furthermore, CNEA accreditation helps programs focus on continuous improvement and ensures they are addressing the needs of employers.

For more information about Northwest's online BSN to MSN program, visit https://online.nwmissouri.edu/programs/nursing-programs.aspx.

“The Northwest Missouri State University Master’s in Nursing Program (via distance education) is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037.”