ATHENS, W. Va. -Concord University’s nursing program, while still relatively in it’s infancy, has quickly grown into a program worthy of a national spotlight.
Just two years ago, Concord University’s school of nursing got its start after the university received funding for the program. Today, it’s offering students a rare opportunity to get a leg up in a competitive field and potentially help the nursing shortage in the area.
Dr. Michele Holt, the director for the program, says she’s extremely proud of what they’ve made possible in such a short time.
“…I never would have had this opportunity in my lifetime as a nurse. It’s very rare you get this opportunity to start a program from scratch, and so the feeling is pride in what we’ve done here at concord and excitement for the future,” says Dr. Holt.
Their effort has earned public recognition with the program becoming nationally accredited… Only a year after classes first began.
Dr. Holt says this will break down barriers for nursing students pursuing graduate school out of state and a nursing student we spoke to agrees.
“I think it’s wonderful because with that national accreditation, I can go to any grad school in the country, so that might be another option for me eventually…” says CU nursing student, Ricky Patton.
Dr. Holt says this recognition is confirmation of all of the hard work everyone put into the program, while also being an important step towards growing it further, with the hope of encouraging more out of state students to choose Concord University.
“…This national accreditation really puts us on the map with other schools that exceed, meet and exceed national… Nursing education standards, so, you know… We’re part of that group now, and a lot of students like to see that designation…” says says Dr. Holt.
Although the accreditation was only recently approved, the title is backdated to January of 2024, meaning students currently enrolled will be graduating from a nationally accredited nursing program.
Patton encourages those interested in pursuing nursing to consider Concord University, calling the professors “phenomenal.”
If you would like to find out more information about this program, you can go to this website.
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