The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing has been granted full accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for a 10-year term, extending through December 31, 2035.
“At the College of Nursing, we are committed to improving health through nurse-led care, innovation, and a student-centered approach to education,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college. “This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing excellence in nursing education and practice.”
Achieving CCNE accreditation is a significant milestone that demonstrates the college’s commitment to academic quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
The rigorous accreditation process began with the submission of a comprehensive self-study report in December 2024. The 96-page report, collaboratively authored by the CON Accreditation Team comprised of faculty and staff, provided detailed evidence, of compliance with CCNE standards. This was followed by an on-site evaluation conducted by the CCNE review team from February 4-6, 2025.
CCNE accreditation ensures that the college’s programs meet nationally recognized standards for excellence in nursing education. This distinction shows that graduates are well-prepared to enter the profession as leaders, clinicians, scholars, and advocates who advance health and transform care across Tennessee and beyond.
Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an accrediting body that promotes the improvement of public health through quality nursing education.
“Earning this accreditation is a reflection of our faculty’s dedication, our students’ excellence, and our collective drive to advance the nursing profession,” said Niederhauser. “We remain focused on shaping innovative, compassionate nurses who will lead the future of health care.”
The college continues to experience remarkable growth and receive national recognition. Ranked among the top 20 public universities for undergraduate nursing programs and top 25 for doctoral programs, the college currently enrolls more than 1,300 students with plans to reach 1,500 by next year. This upward momentum is supported by the construction of a state-of-the-art new nursing building, which has expanded classroom, simulation, and research space to better prepare future nurses and meet the increasing demand for highly skilled health care professionals.
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CONTACT:
Kara Clark Cardwell (865-974-9498, [email protected])