Abbey News

Belmont Abbey College Achieves Accreditation for Nursing Degree Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (October 15, 2024) – Belmont Abbey College announces today that the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org/) has fully accredited its Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) and its Master of Science in Nursing Leadership degree programs (MSN). This prestigious recognition highlights the college’s commitment to developing compassionate, competent healthcare professionals grounded in faith and ethics. CCNE’s accreditation is effective retroactively from February 28, 2024, until December 2029. At the end of the term, CCNE will reaffirm the upholding of its accreditation standards through another site visit.

“We are deeply grateful for this accreditation, which reflects our mission of preparing nurses who not only excel in clinical skills but also embody the values of service, integrity, and compassion,” said Dr. Lee-Ann Kenney, Chair and Program Director of the Department of Nursing. “Our programs are designed to educate the whole person – mind, body, and spirit, fostering both professional excellence and a commitment to the dignity and care of all individuals.” The BSN program prepares students for the role of registered nurses, focusing on holistic patient care and ethical practice, while the MSN program offers advanced training in specialized nursing roles and leadership. Both programs emphasize evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and a strong foundation in Catholic social teaching. 

Accreditation is a pivotal step in the journey of launching these programs, which began as part of the college’s recognition of the local and regional need for compassionate, ethically trained healthcare leaders. As such, the college invested in this need through programmatic expansion, hiring new faculty, and building state of the art facilities. “Investing in the future of healthcare is part of Belmont Abbey’s service to our community. Caring for the sick is a hallmark of Benedictine values, and we believe that infusing Catholic ethics and social teaching into the healthcare curriculum sets future nurses and healthcare leaders up for success in the field,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Provost at Belmont Abbey College. “We had a clear vision in mind when we developed the curriculum and student experience for these programs and we are thrilled to welcome students as a fully accredited program,” he stated. The accreditation process included a thorough evaluation of the BSN and MSN programs, encompassing curriculum design, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and institutional resources. This accomplishment affirms that Belmont Abbey’s BSN and MSN programs meet rigorous national standards, equipping graduates to excel in diverse healthcare settings with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership. 

With this accreditation, Belmont Abbey College reaffirms its commitment to providing an exceptional nursing education that aligns with its values and mission, ensuring that its graduates are ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the world.

For more information about the BSN or MSN programs, please visit our website. You’re also invited to learn more about Nursing at Belmont Abbey by attending our upcoming Nursing Exploration Day on October 29, 2024. Join us to learn more about BAC’s Nursing program, meet our faculty, and tour our newly renovated, state-of-the-art nursing facilities.

Press Inquiry Contact: Sarah Bolton, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

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Belmont Abbey College Launches Direct Admit Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (September 30, 2024) – Today Belmont Abbey College announces that beginning in Fall 2025, the college will offer direct entry to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, eliminating the stress of a separate application process. The Direct Admission BSN program will allow students to secure their place in the nursing program upon acceptance to the college. Accepted students will begin the BSN curriculum within 2 years of starting at Belmont Abbey College and must maintain admission standards and progression throughout their time in the program.

To be considered for the BSN Direct Admission program at Belmont Abbey College, students must earn a minimum unweighted high school GPA of 3.25, be admitted to the college by February 15, 2025, and submit their enrollment deposit upon acceptance into the Direct Admit Program. In line with the college’s commitment to expanding nursing education rooted in the Catholic tradition, this new initiative plays a vital role in meeting the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals both within our community and beyond.

The Direct Admission BSN program is designed to provide aspiring nurses with a streamlined pathway to earn their degree and enter the healthcare workforce. The demand for skilled nursing professionals continues to rise, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 9% increase in nursing jobs over the next decade. “Healthcare is evolving, and we recognize the need for a more efficient pathway into nursing education,” said Julie Fleming, Assistant Vice Provost of Admissions at Belmont Abbey College. “Our Direct Admission BSN program simplifies the admission process and ensures that our students receive the support and resources they need to succeed from day one.” This new program aims to equip students with the knowledge and experience they need to thrive in the workforce and ultimately, make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Belmont Abbey College celebrated its inaugural graduating class of BSN students in May of 2024. “These students have been a true blessing to the college, and we are thrilled to watch them impact even more lives as they embark on the beginning of their careers. The new Direct Admission BSN program will help us identify even more future nurses who are seeking a pre-licensure program that takes a holistic approach, integrating medical discipline with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences,” said Dr. Lee-Ann Kenney, Chair and Program Director of the School of Nursing. The class of 2024 is poised for success in the nursing field, as evidenced by the 100% pass rate on the NCLEX. Through the Direct Admission Program, Belmont Abbey will offer the following to aspiring nurses:

• Guaranteed Admission: Students accepted into the program can transition seamlessly into the nursing major, provided they meet specific academic progression requirements.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a robust curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience in various healthcare settings.
• Supportive Environment: Students will benefit from personalized academic advising, mentorship opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Career Readiness: The program emphasizes skills development, critical thinking, and compassionate patient care, preparing graduates to excel in a variety of nursing roles.

Prospective students interested in the Direct Admission BSN program can find more information on our website or attend our upcoming Nursing Exploration Day on October 29, 2024. Join us to learn more about BAC’s Nursing program, meet our faculty, and tour our newly renovated, state-of-the-art nursing facilities.

Press Inquiry Contact: Sarah Bolton, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

Download Now.