Page 7 CDU Newsletter
May 2023
Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Receives CCNE Accreditation
The Doctor of Nursing Practice ( DNP ) program at Charles R . Drew University of Medicine and Science ’ s Mervyn M . Dymally College of Nursing ( MMDCON ) has achieved a significant milestone by receiving accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( CCNE ). The esteemed CCNE Board of Commissioners , following a thorough evaluation that included an on-site visit to the CDU campus in October 2022 , granted accreditation to the program for a five-year term , retroactive to the program ’ s launch and extending until June 30 , 2028 . This recognition solidifies the university ’ s commitment to providing excellence in nursing education and underscores its reputation as a premier institution in the field .
The accreditation decision was made by the CCNE Board of Commissioners during their meeting on April 25-28 , 2023 . The program ’ s compliance with the CCNE Standards for Accreditation of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Programs ( 2018 ) was a key factor in the board ’ s determination . Notably , the program was found to meet all four accreditation standards , demonstrating the high caliber of education and training offered to students . Officially recognized by the U . S . Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency , CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency to ensure the quality and integrity of baccalaureate , graduate , and residency / fellowship programs in nursing .
“ Preparation started more than a year prior to the onsite visit in October 2022 . However , the grueling work occurred four months before the visit ,” said Dr . Gail Washington , MMDCON Dean . “ Following the onsite evaluation , we were invited to participate in a meeting with the Board , where they had the opportunity to clarify any questions and provide further insights into their program .”
MMDCON diligently worked towards meeting the requirements set forth by the accrediting body . The evaluation encompassed a comprehensive assessment of the entire curriculum , available resources , clinical and practice sites , student satisfaction , assessments aligned with expected outcomes , and analysis of the results obtained . The evaluators employed a detailed framework consisting of four standards and multiple categories to gauge the program ’ s compliance with accreditation criteria .
The DNP program at Charles R . Drew University follows a unique , executive-education format designed to accommodate busy professionals . With a curriculum consisting of 40 credits , the program combines precepted clinical settings with online coursework . The theoretical content of each course is taught during intensive one-weekend sessions , totaling three sessions per course . These weekend sessions include three hours of synchronous learning followed by 12 hours of asynchronous study .
The program launched in 2022 through CDU ’ s Mervyn M . Dymally College of Nursing ( MMDCON ). The first cohort of students will graduate next month at the 39th Annual CDU Commencement Ceremony .