June 27, 2023

New status effective for three years as college works toward full accreditation

The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) has granted pre-accreditation status to the online Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) degree program at The Ohio State University College of Nursing.

The DNE program at Ohio State, which launched its first application in August 2022, is the first of its kind in the United States.

Pre-accreditation status is effective for three years and was granted, according to a confirmation letter from NLN CNEA, “based upon evidence supporting a reasonable conclusion that the program will be able to demonstrate full compliance with the standards [of accreditation] within the allotted three-year pre-accreditation time frame.”

“This is a tremendous step forward for a pioneering, evidence-based program that comes at a critical time in the nursing profession,” said Tara Spalla King, PhD, RN and Tara O’Brien, PhD, RN, CNE, who direct the DNE program. “We must be able to matriculate and doctorally prepare more nurse educators so that we can expand the capacity of nursing degree programs to accept more prospective nurses and meet the current and future needs of healthcare.”

Ohio State’s DNE program features two specializations: Academic Nursing Education and Nursing Professional Development. The first cohort of students started in January 2023, with the second cohort starting its educational journey this coming August.

August 01, 2018

The National League of Nursing (NLN) announced it has named The Ohio State University College of Nursing an NLN Center of Excellence (COE). The college will be formally recognized during the Honors Convocation at the 2018 NLN Education Summit, on Friday, Sept. 14. Fifteen other nursing programs nationwide, across the academic spectrum of higher education in nursing and leading teaching hospitals and clinical sites, shared the distinction of being named NLN Centers of Excellence this year.

“This continuing designation recognizes our excellence in creating environments that enhance student learning and professional development,” said Cindy Anderson, PhD, RN, APRN-CNP, ANEF, FAHA, FNAP, FAAN, associate dean for academic affairs and educational innovation and associate professor at the Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children and Youth at the College of Nursing. “The recognition is based on exceptional outcomes in socializing students to new roles, professional involvement, commitment to lifelong learning and creativity. Our innovative program design and curricula prepare graduates to LIVE WELL and to engage in high quality evidence-based practice and conduct cutting-edge research needed for the future of health and healthcare. Our exceptional faculty lead these efforts that make real differences for students and the individuals, families and communities they serve.” 

The LIVE WELL (teaching students to Lead, Innovate, Vision, Execute and be Wellness-focused, Evidence-based, Life-long learners, and Lights for the world) philosophy at the College of Nursing, Anderson said, guides the full complement of academic programs, supporting faculty in providing a learning environment that teaches students how to dream, discover and deliver.

"Congratulations to these exceptional institutions who comprise the 2018 class of NLN Centers of Excellence," said NLN President G. Rumay Alexander, EdD, RN, FAAN, associate vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion/chief diversity officer and professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. "The individuals behind this label, the faculty, deans and administrators, deserve our deepest gratitude for creating and sustaining educational excellence in nursing. COE faculty and staff bear a responsibility to share their experience, knowledge and wisdom for the benefit of everyone in nursing education."

"Centers of Excellence help raise the bar for all nursing programs by role modeling visionary leadership and environments of inclusive excellence that nurture the next generation of a strong and diverse nursing workforce to advance the health of the nation and the global community," NLN CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, said.

Each year since 2004, the NLN invites nursing schools to apply to become a COE in Nursing Education institution based on their ability to demonstrate in measurable terms sustained excellence in faculty development, nursing education research or student learning and professional development.

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About the National League for Nursing
Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The NLN offers faculty development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants and public policy initiatives to its more than 40,000 individual and more than 1,200 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and health care organizations.

July 30, 2014

The Ohio State University College of Nursing has been named an NLN Center of Excellence (COE) for 2014 to 2018, the National League for Nursing Board of Governors has announced.

The selection is by competitive application reviewed by a panel of leaders in nursing education, with only 35 programs holding the designation. Six, including Ohio State, were added this year.

“Our core goals include supporting faculty, staff and students to achieve their highest career aspirations by sustaining a positive and extraordinary culture of wellness and excellence to the point where everyone wants to come here to teach, conduct research, practice and learn,” said Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, RN, CPNP/PMHNP, FNAP, FAAN, associate vice president for health promotion, university chief wellness officer and dean of the College of Nursing. “We are honored that NLN recognizes these efforts and has selected the [Ohio State] College of Nursing as a center of excellence.”

Since 2004, the NLN has issued an annual invitation to apply for COE status. Applicants are then judged on their ability to demonstrate in concrete, measurable terms sustained excellence in faculty development, nursing education research or student learning and professional development. Schools, and since 2012, healthcare organizations eligible in a separate category, must also have a proven commitment to continuous quality improvement. Of the current 35 NLN Centers of Excellence, 31 are schools of nursing from across the spectrum of higher education, from diploma and associate degree-granting programs to colleges and universities offering bachelor's and advanced degrees. Four are healthcare organizations.

"These deserving nursing education programs model excellence in the science of nursing education and providing environments that enhance student learning and professional development," said NLN President Marsha Howell Adams, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, newly appointed dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. "Their visionary leadership sets the standard for nursing education to build a strong and diverse nursing workforce to advance the health of the nation and the global community, guided by the [NLN's] four core values: caring, integrity, diversity and excellence."

Ohio State and the other new COEs will be formally recognized at the NLN's Annual Education Summit during the NLN Banquet.

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the NLN offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants and public-policy initiatives to its 40,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members. NLN members represent nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education, and healthcare organizations and agencies.