BTC Receives Additional Accreditation Through ACEN

    We are proud to announce Bolivar Technical College (BTC) has achieved a significant milestone in our educational journey by receiving an additional accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). “It’s a recognition of academic excellence,” said Erin Mock, MSN, RN, and Director of Nursing Education at BTC. “Our students can be confident they are receiving education that prepares them well for their careers and further studies.” 

A Rigorous Journey to Accreditation 

    Mrs. Mock shared insights into the process of attaining ACEN accreditation. “We always had our institutional accreditation, which represents our high standards at Bolivar Technical College,” Mrs. Mock explained. With the launch of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion program at BTC, the need for an additional specialized nursing accreditation became a high priority.“Because BSN is a more advanced degree and many students continue their education to MSN and doctorate levels, we felt it was essential to pursue nursing-specific accreditation,” she said. 

    We chose ACEN as our nursing accrediting body for several reasons, one of which was ACEN’s inclusion of Practical Nursing and Professional Nursing programs. “We have stellar Certificate and Associate’s level nursing programs, and we wanted to include them in this accreditation process,” Mrs. Mock noted. The decision to pursue ACEN accreditation was driven by BTC’s desire to ensure that all of our nursing programs meet the highest standards of educational excellence. 

Navigating the Accreditation Process 

    The journey began with BTC seeking candidacy status, which was granted on June 16, 2022. This initial step involved rigorous self-assessment and documentation of the college’s programs and processes. Mrs. Mock and her team spent several months preparing a comprehensive report detailing the quality and effectiveness of the college’s nursing education. 

    Following the submission of the report, a peer review team, comprising educators from other nursing schools and retired professionals, visited BTC. They evaluated the college’s adherence to ACEN standards and provided their recommendation for accreditation. “Getting the peer evaluation recommendation was a significant milestone, but the final decision rested with the Board of Commissioners,” Mrs. Mock said. The Board’s meeting, held from April 15 to 18, 2024, concluded with the formal announcement of BTC’s accreditation. 

Implications for BTC and Its Students 

    Earning ACEN accreditation is a testament to BTC’s excellence in nursing education. “This accreditation shows that we have met very rigid standards,” Mrs. Mock emphasized.  “Our accreditation backdates to the day we got candidacy, so it benefits all our graduates from the 2023 BSN, RN, and LPN programs,” Mrs. Mock explained. This backdating ensures that all students who have been a part of these programs since candidacy status will enjoy the full benefits of the ACEN accreditation.  

A Mark of Excellence 

    The ACEN accreditation is not just a feather in BTC’s cap; it is a validation of the college’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality nursing education to our community. It reassures current and prospective students that BTC’s programs meet national standards for nursing education excellence.