Westminster College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has earned full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) following a comprehensive evaluation in April, underscoring the College’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in nursing education.

Retroactive to April 2025, the 10-year accreditation—the highest term possible—is valid through Dec. 31, 2035. CCNE, a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing. 

The CCNE’s decision followed a rigorous evaluation process that included a comprehensive self-study, on-site visit, and in-depth review of the program’s curriculum, faculty, students, institutional support and career outcomes.

Westminster’s nursing program, which leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, began in 2017 and earned five-year accreditation in 2021.

“We are delighted that the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has granted our program full accreditation,” said Dr. Maria Sapienza, chair of the Department of Nursing. “This affirms our commitment to meeting rigorous standards in nursing education and reflects the hard work and dedication of our students, who continually strive for excellence in their studies and clinical practice. Our students and recent graduates can take pride in knowing they are part of an accredited program. Accreditation is a continuous journey, and we remain dedicated to advancing and upholding the highest standards of educational excellence.”

Students enrolled in Westminster’s BSN program gain hands-on experience through the College’s state-of-the-art high-fidelity simulation lab, where they develop clinical judgment and decision-making skills in realistic patient-care scenarios. The simulation environment allows students to practice, make mistakes, and refine their techniques in a safe, supportive setting—building confidence before they transition to direct patient care.

Westminster’s nursing students also benefit from a unique collaborative agreement with the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing. First-year students complete pre-nursing and liberal arts courses at Westminster before matriculating to UPMC Jameson for the second and third years of study. During this time, they follow the UPMC Jameson curriculum while earning credits toward the Westminster BSN degree. After completing the program at UPMC Jameson, students are eligible to sit for the registered nurse (RN) licensure examination. In their fourth year, students complete advanced nursing coursework at Westminster to earn the BSN degree.

To learn more about Westminster’s nursing program, please visit www.westminster.edu/nursing or contact Sapienza at sapienma@westminster.edu at or 724-946-7473.

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