Accreditation affirms national standards for the institution’s nursing education program.
UNT Health Fort Worth’s College of Nursing has earned full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education through June 30, 2031, for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing programs. The CCNE Board of Commissioners granted accreditation during a recent meeting following a successful on-site evaluation that began Oct. 8.
“This achievement reflects the collective dedication, passion and excellence of our faculty, staff, students and clinical partners,” said Cindy Weston, DNP, founding dean of the College of Nursing. “It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing the highest standards in nursing education and an affirmation of the college’s mission to lead, inspire and impact our community.”
To earn accreditation, the College of Nursing underwent an extensive peer-review process evaluating curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, governance and institutional resources. The process included a multi-day on-site evaluation as well as months of documentation and compliance review. Graduating from an accredited nursing program is important for students pursuing employment, licensure and advanced educational opportunities, Weston said. CCNE accreditation also helps strengthen employer confidence in graduates and supports continued eligibility for federal financial aid programs administered through the U.S. Department of Education.
For BSN student Moyinoluwa Akindele, the accreditation provides peace of mind, allowing her to focus on learning and preparing to become a great nurse.
“The CCNE accreditation is incredibly important for nursing students and recent graduates because it directly impacts future opportunities,” said Akindele, who graduates in August. “As I apply for jobs outside the DFW area, I’ve seen how many hospitals consider accreditation during hiring, especially for new graduates. Accreditation also creates more opportunities for advanced degrees and long-term career growth.”
Founded in 2023 to help address Texas’ critical nursing shortage, UNT Health’s College of Nursing achieved accreditation less than three years after its launch and welcomed its first students in fall 2024. Since its inception, the college has emphasized innovative virtual and hybrid learning models designed to prepare nurses for an evolving healthcare environment.
“This accreditation milestone reflects UNT Health’s commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses through innovative, high-quality education,” said Christopher Ray, Ph.D., UNT Health senior vice president and provost. “Earning CCNE accreditation affirms the strength of our programs, faculty and student outcomes as we continue addressing critical workforce needs across Texas and beyond.”
The College of Nursing offers four degree pathways designed to support nurses at different stages of their careers, including a traditional prelicensure BSN, a Registered Nurse to BSN, an MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation and an MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Collectively, the programs reflect the college’s mission to create innovative professional nurses through education, practice, research, service and interprofessional collaboration.
For more information about the College of Nursing and its programs, visit www.unthealth.edu/nursing.
CCNE Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program and master’s degree in Nursing Practice program at UNT Health are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. CCNE’s Standards for Accreditation of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Programs, effective Jan. 1, 2025, require continuous compliance with established national expectations throughout the accreditation period.
About UNT Health UNT Health Fort Worth is located in the heart of the Fort Worth Cultural District. UNT Health trains the health care providers, public health workforce and scientists of the future in an interprofessional ecosystem. Through its six colleges—Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, College of Public Health, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy and College of Nursing—students learn to work in teams and develop an innovative mindset that prepares them for a rapidly changing health landscape. UNT Health Clinical Practice Group, the clinical enterprise of UNT Health, provides patient-centered care to people across Tarrant County. UNT Health’s research enterprise provides a foundation to expand the frontiers of scientific discovery to improve health and well-being.
