The nursing program at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) just received an unqualified renewal of its accreditation for eight years - the longest period allowed between reviews by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national accrediting body for all types of nursing education programs.

"We're very proud of both our registered nursing (RN) and practical nursing programs," said Edna Baehre, PhD, president of HACC, "and we're very pleased that the League has recognized our efforts."

The review panel made its decision after a comprehensive review of the program and a number of site visits. The panel noted several "patterns of strength" including the support the program enjoys from both the administration and from the local community. In addition, the panel noted the success of students graduating from the programs.

"Our pass rate for graduates taking their state boards is between 97 and 100%. Employers are highly satisfied with the quality of skill from HACC nursing graduates, which leads to a higher level of care for members of our community," observes Ron Rebuck, director of nursing. "When students want to transfer to a four-year institution for a bachelor's degree, the first thing they're asked is whether or not their first two years were NLNAC certified."

Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process where non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality.

Enrollment in nursing at HACC is on the increase. Most recently, the College is looking at options to expand the nursing program at the Wildwood Campus in Harrisburg in response to growing enrollment. A year ago the Gettysburg Campus added nursing and opened the Gettysburg Hospital Health Care Learning Center within the remodeled campus. Initially the nursing program at Gettysburg was established to enroll 25 new students each year. Because of the demand for nursing education, 29 students are enrolled for this fall semester, and the campus anticipates 35 new students in the spring. At the Lancaster Campus, enrollment in the nursing program has grown from an initial 24 students in the fall of 2001 to nearly 115. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing has just approved the opening of a practical nursing program at Lancaster, scheduled to begin in January 2004. A number of prerequisite courses for the nursing program can be completed at the Lebanon Campus.

For information about careers in nursing, contact HACC at (717) 780-1988, or click on the Website below. Inquiries can be emailed to the email address below.