Jun 24, 2015

Western Health is pleased to announce Western Regional School of Nursing has earned the highest accreditation award in nursing education, by receiving a full seven-year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) for its Bachelor of Nursing (Collaborative) program.

This is the third consecutive time that Memorial’s undergraduate nursing program, delivered at three sites in the province – Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Nursing, The Centre for Nursing Studies and Western Regional School of Nursing – has earned top marks from CASN, the national accrediting body for nursing education in Canada.

“Earning a seven year accreditation, the highest level of accreditation for the third consecutive time, attests to our exemplary faculty, the commitment of staff, and the dedication of many registered nurses in providing high quality nursing education,” said Catherine McDonald, Vice President of Health Protection and Professional Practice and Chief Nursing Officer.

Accreditation is recognized worldwide as an important, objective method to assess professional education programs. Many professional schools undergo the accreditation process to ensure they are delivering a curriculum that is relevant and have processes in place to prepare students for their professional roles. Accreditation promotes excellence while identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement.

Accreditors spent time observing students in class and clinical situations, and meeting with faculty, staff and students. “Accreditors were impressed with the innovative community partnership opportunities and spoke highly of our remarkable students and their involvement in community engagement activities,” said Cathy Stratton, Director of the Western Regional School of Nursing. “The Department of Health and Community Services, including health care facilities across the province, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, as well as community organizations that host our students are to be commended for their support.”

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Media Contact:
Tara Pye
Director of Communications (Acting)
Western Health
T: 637-5252
E: tarajpye@westernhealth.nl.ca