It may possibly be the first of its kind in Ontario, as the St. Lawrence College in Kingston celebrates the accreditation of its bachelor of science in nursing degree.
The decision to acknowledge the degree, by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, was completed on Monday, according to the college. In a media release, the college stated that such accreditation “confirms (its) dedication to excellence in nursing education and ensures that its program meets strict standards of quality and effectiveness.”
The process of accreditation for the stand-alone bachelor’s degree, according to associate dean Laralea Stalkie, started three years ago.
“Three years ago, we were one of two colleges given the opportunity to provide nursing degree education at the college, instead of having a collaborative partnership with a university,” she said, noting that the recognition showcases the “quality of the nursing program” at the institution.
“The accreditation actually shows the quality of not only our program but the college that we offer it in, our students and our faculty.”
In addition to the bachelor’s program, the college offers a transitional program for practical nurses to earn their bachelor’s degree in science nursing. According to Stalkie, the school is seeking accreditation for that program as well.
