Special to the Journal

ALBANY – The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) conducted an onsite visit at Darton State College recently and gave positive reviews, including recommending initial accreditation of the RN to BSN program.

Accreditation by the ACEN is a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality.  Accreditation also assists in the further improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved.

Darton graduated its first Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students this past July with 17 students. The RN to BSN Completion program is designed to prepare graduates of Associate Degree Nursing programs with additional skills in management, leadership, health promotion, community health, and research. To maximize flexibility, the program is offered with full or part-time options, with full-time being three semesters and part-time completed in five semesters. The courses are taught online to accommodate working students, with some hybrid courses that require additional time spent in lab or clinical settings.

Enrollment in the program is limited and students are selected on the basis of the following: GPA of 2.7 or higher, completion of required nursing related coursework (with priority given to those with completed core classes), completion of Area D Science requirements, completion of requirements for Georgia articulation plan for associate or diploma level nursing course work, proof of state licensure prior to beginning second semester of RN to BSN course work, and possible interview with RN to BSN Coordinator.

The next admission for RN to BSN Completion program is Spring 2014 with registration from Nov. 4, 2013 through Jan. 6, 2014. For more information, call the Nursing Division office at (229) 317-6504 or (229) 317-6557 or to learn more about Darton’s BSN and the other degree programs it offers, please visit www.darton.edu/programs.

Since 1966, Darton State College has been a leader in providing quality educational opportunities and services to Southwest Georgia. Darton offers a variety of programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 54 transfer program options, 41 career and certificate program options, and 40+ online programs. Today, Darton is home to more than 6,000 students with over 155 international students from 40 countries. Darton State College, a public institution, is part of the University System of Georgia and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.