ROSEBURG, Oregon – The Registered Nursing program at Umpqua Community College (UCC) has received an unprecedented nod from the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). At its meeting on June 13, 2019, the State Board granted UCC an eight-year approval. The maximum time between approval periods comes as the result of a site visit conducted April 8-10. This is the first time since at least 2003 that UCC has received such a lengthy time between site approval visits.
“For the past several years, we’ve only had three to five years between site visits,” April Myler, UCC’s Director of Nursing, said. “To receive an eight-year approval is very exciting.”
Site visits are rigorous processes. During the April visit, which lasted for three days, multiple interviews were conducted with students, faculty, College administrators, and clinical site representatives. The program was evaluated on the following:
- Organization and Administration
- Nursing Faculty
- Curriculum
- Students
- Records
- Facilities and Services
- Evaluation (Program Assessment)
OSBN approval, which is non-negotiable, is synonymous with being accredited in the State of Oregon. The program must meet rigorous guidelines to maintain the ability to host the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) level program.
“This approval means the nursing team has closed the loop on assessment for this period of time,” Myler said. “It now allows us to focus additional quality time on student success, program growth, and continued excellence.”
UCC’s nursing program enrolls up to 64 students annually. The next site visit will be April 2027.
Photo: Class of 2019 Nursing Program Graduates
About Umpqua Community College
Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities.
Contact
Chelsea Gillespie-Towne, MSN, RN
Director of Nursing
Phone: 541-440-7879